The basics on what to do to get started are freely available and are things you likely already know.

Basically getting everything in place so when I ask for investors, I don't look like an idiot. 

If not, I always like to be prepared with "bucket costs"  ie) a mid-level kitchen reno (15k-20k), bathroom rehab (10k), basic pricing for floors based on sq foot, etc.

He basically filled a false report in his citation book.

The residential units should cover the basic expenses leaving the office space downstairs as my upside.  

Some of the other people in the program are having some luck working the ATL & PHO markets which is influencing where i will start doing some outreach but I figured i'd get more seasoned investors to share their take and maybe help me see some things from a different perspective.I know this system is not the most sustainable/scalable but seems to be the fastest way to get the ball rolling in terms of revenue as it's marketing is time consuming but free, basically just FB group outreach & direct messages.

Do the basics like get an LLC and insurance as Account Closedsuggested (and you're right; no need for licensing), and also get some pictures taken of work he's done for your website.

For those with significant experience doing this, am I better served using my benefits to get an MBA or to use them to take a myriad of courses at the undergrad level that could also help me, e.g. a few accounting courses, maybe some basic trades courses, marketing, etc. 

My possible solution would be doing a rent to own option for a couple years and basically subleasing it so then when the time was up we could get a loan for it with no money down because of the equity.

You get the opportunity to buy a multi with an owner occupied loan (saves some interest rate), and you basically get to house hack your multi, subsidising your mortgage.