So my plan is to get started without a license and apply for it asap.
It looks like starting a crypto business is not for everyone. At least not anymore.
That's what Binance has been doing for quite some time now. Dig in, take over, apply for a license, get the heck out in case it's not granted to you. It worked well for them, but I wonder how long they can continue doing this, especially with how regulators start to become more motivated than ever before to finally do what they are supposed to do.
I'm looking for legal solutions of course.
There aren't any in your situation, and you seem to be aware of it with how you plan to start without a license anyway. I don't recommend anyone to replicate this because you don't know how regulators are going to respond to you. Some might just order you to shut down, where others will fine you on top of it because you violated their laws. Don't try them.