Both options seem good but because I'm still in the newbie phase, seeking advice. 

If not, then it seems that every time I buy a property I am acquiring the debt without the benefit of using the income to continue purchasing.

Benefits:• Cash flow• Tax breaks and deductions• Appreciation• Equity/wealth (tenants pay the mortgage)• Hedge against inflation.

What is the benefit of obtaining a limited broker license?

Once the transaction has happened, there is no way to benefit from the exchange.As Ken said above, there may be other tax strategies, like cost seg, that could potentially help to offset the capital gain tax with other losses, but check with your CPA to see if any of those will work for you.

You're background will allow to skip the 1-4 tenants phase.

There are a lot of workers in these service industries that are doing just that - deciding they'd rather live in the hustle economy + a few government benefits than go back to work at all, even for much higher wages.

Not to mention higher appreciation and tax benefits on a smaller equity check. 

Keep in mind many of the benefits you get as a member which include discounted MLS membership as well as access to NVAR contracts and forms.

You're going to probably have vacancies during the first phase so consider how you'll sequence those repairs/refurbs.