If anyone can give me feedback on which direction I should begin in as a beginner investor I would greatly appreciate it. 

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I would advise any licensed agent to discuss with a qualified and knowledgeable attorney, the state laws pertaining to real estate licensing, wholesaling (if any), potential financial liability, and potential of license suspension or forfeiture before making any move in this direction.  

Investors generally want to pay for direct labor and direct materials and not pay for the contractor risk (OSHA, aebestos, LNI, litigation, construction defect risk management, lead based paint, surprises, injuries, etc.) 

I'm an engineer with a background in finance.Would be great to meet a mentor that could lead me in the right direction so I can get started on the right foot.My goal is buy and hold for rental income--build a portfolio.

Makes me think I should just focus in looking for a great deal through direct mailing instead.

I am thinking of doing a self directed IRA to pay for the down payment and doing a non-recourse loan for the remainder.  

.- I have to work under a broker for 2 years before I can apply for my brokers license in state of FL- I have to split my commission profit with broker and all funds/payments must be made out directly to the broker- the percentage commission I negotiate with property owners is my decisionDetermine best path to form Vacation Rental Property Management company being aware of my new status a sales associate- can I start my own business entity to establish and brand my VR management company now, or would/should I just wait the 2 years, get brokers license and then do so.

Of the little marketing I've done so far just about all the responses I've received have been from absentee landlords of properties with tenants who will either finance no more than 70-80% if at all and won't take as little as my cash offer.But what else can I do with these sellers?

Eventough I cannot help you direct about MF I wonder if you know Lance Edwards.