I need to start shopping local banks/credit unions to secure financing for my (hopefully near future) rental property purchases.

Having a license is NOT an encumbrance or road block to investing in real estate, unless you plan on doing things that are illegal or unethical, there are "those" "investors".A broker's license adds a bit more credibility to your business card, in reality that's about it as you are assumed to have greater knowledge than an agent in the public's eyes.

@David DeLand congrats on publicly declaring your dream.Now, get a friend to help you get your head shot on your profile.

Try starting with that before seeking out help with REI.You realize that BP is a public forum and you are openly admitting to willfully violating federal and state law, James Smith from Medina, Ohio.

As mentioned, start reading and searching, open your mind to reality and be careful who you listen to in public forums.

Looking at investments from the maintenance side of the equation once you own it,  I believe a 3 bedroom, 2 bath one story home on a slab foundation connected to public water and sewer is the perfect rental for buy and holds.  

We are both fortunate enough to have secure jobs with good salaries and flexible schedules.  

The ipod nano is small enough to fit in a tool pocket that can be closed so that it's secure.  

Is a security deposit required?

The loan was secured by 2 properties in Chicago.In the closing documents, there's an Escrow Agreement which says the private lending mortgage broker acts as escrow agent for borrower and lender to hold said Quit Claim Deed: (Escrow agent = private lending mortgage broker) with the following terms1.Borrower agrees to deliver to Escrow Agent an executed and notarized Quit Claim Deed running to Lenders for the properties2.