@Tony R first, I'm so sorry for the loss in your family. Second, do not beat yourself up for not getting up and speaking... viewings/funerals evoke all sorts of emotions and we should never judge the behavior of other or ourselves during those times because those moments are NOT the norm. As you can tell, I too have no problem speaking to strangers, but viewings/funerals are thing that I personally don't do well, at all... I remain silent too! Remaining silent doesn't define your norm. Honor the moment you needed to remain silent. As for POF.... I personally, scoff at that... a POF is not proof at all.... it's a piece of paper that says someone has money... Unless I see a bank statement dated that day, it carries no weight in my book... and most people don't even think about POFs... they're thinking about their circumstances, which is what the conversation should be focused on. As for business license, most states do not require an occupational license for real estate. However, you should set up an LLC, which is easy (but you do want to set it up the right way)... ChatGPT or you State's government website can explain how ... Good luck!