The Cole Memo from 2011 indicates that regardless of local laws, the Feds may enforce Federal law but the Cole Memo also outlines the Feds resources are limited and indicates they should be directed towards "illegal" activities that fund organized crime.

If it's 5+ units, all bets are off and you need to seek commercial financing, which can be tough to obtain when you're just starting out.

Approvals from 2008, are they still active or "in place"?

Steps: Sign up for a class, complete the online application with DBPR, sign up for background screening, complete class (DBPR has to clear you before you can test), take state exam, join brokerage, broker submits your application to state to join their firm, license becomes active (you cannot sell real estate until your license shows active with a brokerage), and then join Board of Realtors for your area. 

(I realize this may be an older post, but as you're getting new activity - it's relevant. 

Hello I am actively looking for my first real estate deal.

I'm an active duty US Navy Chief Petty Officer, brand-new BPer and real estate enthusiast, I got turned on to this whole game (and BiggerPockets) at the suggestion of a coworker shortly after I moved to Tampa back in July. 

You have a few options, 1) be patient 2) Give in and join them and pay up or 3) Find other asset classes to invest in.I am not patient and am too scared to pay the prices they are trading for these days so I have gone to number 3 for my personal active investments.

Chris is not only a great attorney, very responsive and knowledgable - he's actively buying & selling his own properties too.

He’s active in the mobile home park space.