Can I use the Paypal REST API to request a subscription made via a Paypal subscription button?

I keep going back and forth between their REST and classic API, but none seemed very simple to me.

I have used the Paypal Create Button Tool to create a Subscribe button and I am wondering if there is a way to request user subscriptions using the Paypal API (preferably REST). I know the IPN, but I would like to be able to query the user's subscription status whenever I want.