RE License a good idea? And how to go about it?

[Ben N.]

So I have yet to get into REI...I'm in the education phase at present. I also plan to purchase my first property as a live in duplex. But down the road, as I pursue more properties, how valuable would it be to obtain a Real Estate License? What would be the benefits or drawbacks to obtaining a REL? If it is worth it...what are the first steps I would need to take to obtain a REL? How difficult is it? What education is required? (I'm in Kansas if that makes a difference in answers) Thanks for any advice, opinions or direction!

[Jimmy Davis]

Something a lot of people don't know while pursuing their real estate license are all the fees that you have to pay every month, quarter, and year after you become licensed.  Every state is going to be different and so is every Real Estate Brokerage that real estate agents work for is going to be different as well.

In Kansas you have to spend somewhere around $1500-$2000 just to get your license.  Then it will cost approximately another $2000/yr in fees alone to maintain your real estate license...and that's not including marketing, real estate signs, lock boxes, and other materials if you actually want to be an active agent.  These expenses are why most people don't last long as an agent...especially with how competitive it has become to be an agent.