The one problem I had when I first started out in RE was prospecting. 

For the situation you laid out in the OP, no need for a CA RE License.

I have a basic strategy I would like to run by some of you more experienced REIs:To find the best Real Estate Agents with an investor mindset, talk to many lenders (Mortgage company, private hard money lenders, banks, etc) and ask for their referrals, or whose name they see the most in their paperworkTo find the best Real Estate Lenders, talk to many Real Estate Agents and ask for referrals for REI Lenders.I will be going in to banks and real estate agencies to start interviewing these lenders and RE Agents, and I was wondering, what questions would you ask a real estate lender?

So I'm basically new to the game - I've owned 2 properties for 7 years and been renting them, but they started out as properties I bought to live inNow I'm trying to diversify and invest in RE - but I work full time and don't know a ton about the financing sideI linked up w someone who's an active flipper in the area and discussed possibly partnering on a deal.

If not, any recommendations on ways to find a reputable and good agent to work with to help a novice RE investor get their first property?

After listening to all the success stories, I have been re-invigorated to evaluate my life and where I want to be 10,20,30 years from now. 

I don't know FL law well enough to be able to tell you what those rights are, so make sure you close with a RE lawyer.

I would have raised objections before the “re do” though.

When entering the expenses, I'm wondering if I'm being too conservative and thus it is skewing my numbers to show that a property won't be as great. 

Probably best for you to re-visit your stance on screening tenants so you are not in violation of any laws of Fair Housing, Disparate Impact, or Discrimination.Good luck out there!