Some questions re: real estate

[Kevin D.]

Hello, I am new to BP and actually real estate in general.  I posted my introduction awhile ago and I have come up with several questions regarding real estate and my current situation. 

I would like to become a licensed real estate agent.  However, I've read many places in order to be successful you need to devote your time 100% to real estate and many people have suggested having up to a years worth of living in savings since it is a 100% commission based job. Unfortunately,  I do not have much in savings and am currently working full time living paycheck to paycheck.  I'm curious if it is possible to be a real estate agent part time.  My current work schedule is Sun , Mon, Thurs, Friday 2-12pm.  I would be able to focus on real estate in the mornings and on my days off.  Is this something that could work until I was able to create some savings until I become successful in real estate?

My second question is,  I am interested in purchasing my first home and would like to do so within the next five years. (I am currently 30).  I would like to house hack a 3 family and live in one unit while renting the other two.  As I've said I don't have much of a savings (which I'm working on improving) but I do contribute weekly to a 401k.  Does it make sense to take out a loan against my 401k to purchase my first home?

Also my credit score is not the best so I am working on raising that before even considering getting a mortgage.  My credit is bad from neglecting payments when I was younger on things such as cell phone bills and cable.  I've never owned a credit card and make sure I'm not late on any payments now (I have a student loan). What else should I be doing to improve my credit score?

Any and all advice, questions, comments, suggestions are greatly appreciated.