I would like to go in looking like a professional with a package to covers all the requirements.

2 - Contact a Lawyer:   You need a professional that specializes in Real Estate Law and RE Contracts, and...3 - Pray.   

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Make good notes about pressure from city, and write down names and dates and phone numbers for your notes.

As for a good lawyer in Rochester...ask @Mark Cumbie he's the RE professional of Rochester. 

Birmingham has proven to be a big destination for young professionals with degrees - a group that  starts more businesses at a younger age than previous generations.

Andy LundsbergBull RealtyErnie EdenEden Realty ServicesKurt McGarryMarcus & MillichapJake ReidFranklin StreetJeff KoonCarriage House RealtyAnthony LacyLacy & AssociatesAdrian ProvostMarcus & MillichapFor larger deals, these are some great contacts: Tai CohenCushman & WakefieldTyler AverittCushman & Wakefield John McCallaBerkadiaJudy MacManusBerkadiaI was not allowed to post their email addresses or phone numbers, so feel free to PM and I'll send you this list with their contact info.Best of luck to you, Aaron!

.: you can get them on the phone anytime. 

Also, maybe someone could reach out here and explain why they got the license when being a "real estate professional" wasn't the end goal?

That is, don't buy any notes at first.Instead, get good at marketing for notes (that is, finding notes through either direct mailing from purchased note holder lists or networking through professional referral sources)-- I like the preformingnote space (the "ma and pa") note holders as I am good at finding them and I'm used to dealing with these types of people...a lot of the time, they need guidance and that's where I come in.