It doesn’t always have to be previous use of the site.

Be sure to check out the blogs as well.  

I wouldn't just tape those up.....Hard to tell on pix, but it may just be dust that is accumulating in areas due to normal air circulation/turbulence....if that's the case, you really just need to clean the unit up...... dust will kill the efficiency of cooling unitsWorst case is that its something liquid leaking and its blowing that material across that surface and dirt is sticking to thatBy sealing it up without knowing the issue, you are just encasing the issue out of site and will likely just postpone needing to deal with it.Id take the covers off and take  a better look....my gut is that's it dust material

Assuming your not doing your own servicing then the majority of states you do not need to be licensed in but you need to register your company as a foreign entity.NMLS is probably the best site to research it but if you let people know what states your interested in then ask around.

And yes it's absolutely vital to read a ton of books, blogs and listen to podcasts every day to continue to grow your knowledge foundation.

@Brynn Hatch welcome to the site.

With that said, just wanted to say thanks to the BP site and members for all of the encouragement and support consistently displayed throughout the community.

My blog has solid resources to get you started.

This is my first post on bigger pockets though I've browsed the blog a lot and have read one of Brandon's books and will likely read more.

They won't be amle to make their lot smaller than what is required for what they have on the site.