Real Estate Novice: Time as an Agent Helpful?

[Daniel J Welsh]

Hey Everybody!

Is there any utility to being a real estate agent for a few months before investing or is there better use of time just getting into the investing game?  I take my FL RE license exam on Saturday and was offered to work with a place where they mentor/educate, help with first 6 listings, and 100% commission.  Useful to work for a few months.  I don't really want to be an "agent" doing open houses, etc....but if it will help me build investing skills then would consider.  I would prefer to be a good investors apprentice, offering equity (or something of value) in exchange to learn their process of evaluation and how they do investments.

End Goal: Invest in Multifamily and Commercial Properties.

I'm brand new with this, been reading many books on RE and watching the podcasts.  Background: I'm a medical doctor currently getting my MBA.  Really enjoy reading about the adventure of real estate.  Cheers!

[David M.]

@Daniel J Welsh

Here are some prior posts regarding a real estate license and investing.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

In your case, does it matter?  You are already about to get your license.  Being an agent and being an investor are two different roles.  There are some investors who don't use agents to find deals, but maybe just to sell.  Some use agents as part of their core team. 

If you are just looking to represent yourself, you need to learn how to negotiate and execute deals.  You won't need to find clients since its yourself.  You will be looking for your own deals...  I guess the short of it is I don't see being a real estate agent, i.e. a salesperson, to be a significant match to being an investor.  They may complement...

Good luck.