Check licenses (Most states have a website where you can check contractors, and real estate licenses)B.

hi, I am taking courses in AL to get my real estate license in order to invest.

If you are looking maximize on a minimal amount of income, you will want to use both types of contributions.Speak with your licensed tax advisor to determine the best formula in your situation.

I'd prefer to see you pay retail (as long as it cash flows), get the unit rent ready and use your brokers license to find your own tenants so, at least that way, you have more control over the investment.

I don't really want to be an agent but I still want to go through the motions and get my license just for the education and access to the MLS and those sort of things to eventually start and try to flip homes.

My dad was a licensed contractor for 30+ years and I grew up around it and know how to do a lot of things everything started out good , I work a full time job and have 3 very busy children and would hang out and help or do their own thing while I worked on this house.

I fixed what they asked me to fix with licensed contractors. 

And you are limiting yourself the opportunity of savings and quality work by looking for someone who can do two trades in one company, if there are 30 demo contractors and 59 framing, you might only have 5 companies who can do both trades, and most probably they are a self-performing GC and have a GC license.

License, financials, experience and subs to be used. :)  

Get properly licensed and insured.