Real Estate License?

[Jake Ernst]

Hello, as a new investor is it wise to obtain a real estate license? I know it is not necessary but is it advantageous? I have been listening to some podcasts and the one guy mentioned that having it allows you to look at homes whenever you want even if you have no plans on purchasing that home. From what I have heard, it can be helpful in researching the area and determining the value of a home. Also being my own agent allows for more efficient negotiations and I would know exactly what is going on, not just a play by play from an agent. I have also thought that this could serve as somewhat of a side income by being a part time agent (I have a full time job) and help gain first hand experience in real estate. Any tips and thoughts?

[Jonathan Greene]

Yes, get your license. People forget how valuable the actual licensing course is for learning about all aspects of real estate. Too many breeze through it online and forget that a lot of that information will be very important when vetting properties, like rules of easements, neighboring rights, landlord-tenant. Just because you get it doesn't mean you can't also work with agents until you are ready, but if you take my theory that every investor should see 25-50 homes before they buy their first one, a license is the easiest way to get access and research comps.