Getting started in real estate investing in Texas.

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Getting started in real estate investing in Texas.

William Ashley
Odessa, TX · Member since 2018 · 4 posts · 0 votes

Hello,

So I have always been interested in acquiring rental properties and when I recently discovered Bigger Pockets I really got motivated to start putting things in motion. From what I have gathered it would behoove me to obtain real estate agent's license to gain access to the MLS and to just get a better understanding of real estate in general. I am currently in Texas which requires 180 classroom hours before I can take my exam for the Real Estate Salesperson license. My questions is:

Can I take these classes online?  If so, any recommendations on credible sources would be greatly appreciated.  Also, I have a pretty extensive academic background and have found that I enjoy in-person classes much more.  I am willing to sacrifice this enjoyment if it saves a little money AND if the quality of the education is more or less equivalent.  So if online classes are an option are they worth the potential savings or should I focus solely on in-person classes?

Thanks for the help and I appreciate any and all feedback.

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  • Jordan Decuir
    Rental Property Investor · Katy, TX · Member since 2013 · 417 posts · 171 votes
    8y
    Welcome William Ashley ! I would first say that unless you will be tapping into your local MLS quite frequently and doing a significant amount of data analysis, you may be able to get what you need by leveraging an agent to run comps with you, I’m sure you could find several agents in your area that are willing to assist you with this. There is something to be said for being able to login yourself and negotiate and run your own deals yourself though, not having to rely on an agent. That is a matter of personal preference for you, however. Also, simply having an active license will probably cost you around $1,000 or more per year if you wish to have access to your local MLS, so that is another consideration for you to think about. If you do decide to get a license, there are several online courses from what I understand, Kaplan is one that I know of personally. I believe that Champions School of RE is one that offers in-person courses and maybe even online as well. Best of luck to you in your venture. If you have any questions feel free to PM me, I will assist where I can. Jordan
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  • Jorge De Jesus
    Katy, TX · Member since 2017 · 372 posts · 140 votes
    8y

    Welcome @William Ashley!

    My personal journey included the lot of the 180 hours mostly online. Some of the requirements must be done in person. I would start with your local community college to save $$. 

    However, you must hang your license. So if you have a commitment to do SOME real estate-related work in Texas, AND the “perks” of a license will cut through some tape or expedite things for you, go right ahead!

    You might even consider working with investors as an agent to work while you learn

    Best wishes! And Welcome!

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  • William Ashley
    OP
    Odessa, TX · Member since 2018 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    8y

    @Jorge De Jesus,

    Thanks for the comment, yeah I am currently looking into some local classes now trying to see what they offer and comparing those to online prices.  This is most certainly a dumb question but what do you mean by "hang your license?"  Haha I am quite the newbie as you can see.  

    Yeah since I plan on saving money for about a year before making my first investment one of the things I wanted to do was to for a local real estate agent or investor part-time in addition to my current position.  I assumed working for either an agency and/or a broker required a license, is this correct?

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  • Jim Cummings
    Residential Real Estate Broker · College Station, TX · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 969 votes
    8y

    @William Ashley. You can work for an Agent or Broker in a NON-Licensed Role, but in order to research / show properties you will need a Texas RE License.  

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  • William Ashley
    OP
    Odessa, TX · Member since 2018 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    8y

    @Jim Cummings,

    I see thanks for the info.  I appreciate it.  What kind of duties would I be assigned working in a non-licensed role?

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  • Jorge De Jesus
    Katy, TX · Member since 2017 · 372 posts · 140 votes
    8y
    You can be a non licensed assistant and have access to MLS. You can be an agent but have to work under a broker. There are fees involved but not high enough to be discouraging. You could also become a broker yourself and be on your own or your own team under one of the bigger guys. Please research and ask what the steps are, it’s been a few years since I’ve read the requirements. Stay tuned to Biggerpockets for a portion of your education. But most all other channels for your specific market
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  • William Ashley
    OP
    Odessa, TX · Member since 2018 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    8y

    Alright @Jorge De Jesus, I'll do some additional research and see what I come up with.  Appreciate the help.

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