She has suggested that I could become a loan officer or contractor, and has connections who could train/hire me. 

Theo Hicks provides a Syndication School training with Joe.  

It's a bit of a fine line because you definitely don't want to encourage tenants to call you more than needed, but that comes from training them later after you've built that critical initial rapport.

Right now, I am working on obtaining my MO (and then KS) Real Estate license, reading tons of books (I have a very long book list), listening to the podcast, doing some online real estate investing training, and doing lots of my own research.

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

Great suggestion....I know there are a lot of You tubers that offer some free training videos on Lease Options. 

She has suggested that I could become a loan officer or contractor, and has connections who could train/hire me.

Some education needed before you dive into that arena though as there are more risks.Other than that, many counties offer access to lis pendens which you can use to build lists (or train a VA to build them) and then target with direct marketing. 

Walking distance to NYC Metro North commuter train station and downtown area with restaurants and shops.

I would like to be able to move with some kind of experience or training under my belt in the hopes of that contributing to finding a job with a brokerage.