I am new to the REI industry but I have educated myself with as much as I can possibly to at least get me to my first deal.    

The license might give you some access to data and the ability to make a commission that you otherwise would not have, but with that access and ability to earn comes increased liability because you're an educated and state licensed professional.

The one other applicant has an average score of 653 but his income is only $35K so he doesn't have the greatest financial stability as well (he is current on all payments though).

My husband says he trusts me and supports me (knowing that I am the financially savvy one in the family), but he is a quite pessimistic given that he is a police officer and only sees the worst in people (think tenants pouring cement down the toilet, taking the water heater with them when they leave, or landlord/tenant eviction calls).

I haven't spent a dime on RE education other than paying for meals as networking events are sometimes hosted at restaurants. 

I wish I had been as aware and financially advanced as you are now when I was that age!

Probably not, considering that 10 years ago it was the worse economic crisis in at least 70 years since the Great Depression.BUT, if those who did not understand that it was a FANTASTIC time to invest once the crisis was over, even if the same thing occurs, their risk intolerance will probably steer them to the investments that won't appreciate the most, and that is unfortunate.This is really about education in the long run.People have to add to their inventory of skill sets for an investor the ability to calculate and understand appreciation and other future values.It's the only way to get used to the psychology that things change in the future and where you buy can either capture that change if it's good, or avoid it if it is not.I just can't believe people make a decision on an Investment based on one single calculation for today, usually the Cash on Cash Return, and then completely ignore all future economics.That's like the squirrel that doesn't bother saving his nuts for the winter because he has a lot around in the fall when they dropped off the trees.Good thing squirrels can think about the future value of saving his nuts!

Sounds like you've already took some great steps towards building your financial wealth.

Purely an education purpose.

I am saying this with 100% respect, do not proceed until you educate yourself more on the process.