I am not an attorney so the following is simply my laypersons opinion.

I have read a lot of mixed opinions about becoming a licensed agent. 

Hello,   I just wanted to stick my head out there and ask a few questions about wholesaling and what sparked for you to start?

My opinion can come with grains of salt, but it's because of one thing or another or where they are limited, but you won't see that until actually doing a deal with them (whoever it is). 

With traditional mortgage rates rising, I am usually of the opinion to get your debt in place before rates rise even more.

It needs roughly about $1,200 worth of work (my newbie opinion).

I usually try to get opinions from two attorneys for State foreclosure laws and two realtors for CMA’s to ensure the investment has a reliable collateral on it to cover the investment with good returns.

You can actually remove your name from public record by doing this, as explained by this article.Otherwise your best option is hunting for a bank that offers you the best commercial loans possible - but the rates will not be as favorable something you would get in your personal name.This isn't legal advice, just my opinion as a real estate investor.

In my opinion the only advantage of opening an entity is for asset protection. 

In my opinion that seems pretty steep.