It is the hired trades that are required to be licensed. 

Being that I work in education, and I am starting from nothing (with some shared debt), I am looking at a house hack. 

If you day-trade or read the tea leaves for hot stock tips or play the ponies or simply put your money in index funds, do any of these things occupy your interest like real estate?

Does anyone here run profitable rentals (long term or short term) and would be willing to share some good locations / strategies on getting started? 

That's a better place to start instead of putting all of your eggs into a stranger's basket.

That might be a good start. 

Have a hospitality background after starting and owning my own restaurant and this combines my desire for real estate wealth with my background.

Just start reading, listening, and participating and figure out what niche you like best.

I recently bought my first investment property that will start as my primary residence with 5% down.

Hey guys, I wholesale full-time and recently started here in Upstate NY, I have some questions for someone familiar with real estate law/wholesale here and closings and will appreciate any help!