What would you do???

[C. Lowe]

Hello to all my fellow BP members-

After 16 years, I've left accounting and finance to pursue a career in real estate. I completed my Florida real estate sales associate licensing exam on Saturday, and now it's time to make some decisions. I'm looking for some guidance here, so please don't hold back.....

My dream:
To start my own property management business.

My reality:
In Florida, to own a property management company, my understanding is a broker's license is required. This requires 2 years experience as a sales associate, which I don't have.

[u]My options and my What would you do?

1. Work as a realtor with a local real estate company and gain valuable training in sales, networking, and real estate in general. This will give me time to build my knowledge of the local market and obtain 2 years of experience, so I can obtain my broker's license later.

2. Attempt to find a broker to be my broker of record, and to try to live my property management company dream right now, without delaying 2 years. My thought here is the time is so valuable, and it will take years to reach critical mass (if at all), so starting now is so important.

3. Something else???? One of the biggest challenges here is finding people with experience in sales AND property management. Those I know have done one, but generally not the other.

This is a tough decision for me. I've given up a comfortable income to pursue a career I will love. I've moved away from the numbers and spreadsheets in favor of building relationships, helping others, and interacting with great investors, real estate professionals, and people wanting to buy or sell a property.

It's an exciting time for me, so your input is valued tremendously. Don't hold back!

Finally, thanks in advance for everyone's time.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO????

Chris