With a background in defense procurement and remodel construction I have been trying to find the right house to get started. 

Nope, the local mls rules will determine your agent as the procuring cause, regardless of whether your offer was accepted.  

I’ve read and heard quite a bit about the advantages of having a RE license when searching for and procuring rental and rehab properties.

In this case, he/she is probably already procuring cause in the deal. - Should I finance on the personal side or business side?

Not to mention procuring cause.

You just pay them 3 percent of the sale price just to fill in a mostly standardize contract, that could be procured for nothing at a title agency or else where.  

Get the guidance you need to learn your new role or procure the services of a qualified property manager.

Even though a wholesaler may claim they are only procuring and selling contracts (which is legal),one might argue they are really advertising a property they do not own on behalf of a Seller as well as representing the Buyer by conducting tours, recommending inspectors and financing options, etc....all activities performed traditionally by a state-licensed Broker.  

To protect you both go through the same procedures to close the transaction procuring title insurance, hazard insurance with the lender as the insured ,etc.  

He would most likely have a case for procuring cause and would be able to go after the listing agent after it closes for his piece because he took you in.