Activating a real estate license in FL

[Erika Stube]

Hi! I currently work a W2 job, and have been thinking about getting my real estate license in my free time. I don't plan to become a full time agent, but see the process as a great learning opportunity as I plan to get into real estate investing within the next year or so. According to the real estate associate requirements, in order to activate the license, I'd need to be affiliated with a brokerage.

1. If I don't plan to become a full time agent, do I need to be affiliated with a brokerage to become active and access the MLS/handle my own deals?

2. If not, are brokerages willing to activate a real estate license for someone who's not selling for them full-time?

Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated!

[Bruce Lynn]

@Erika Stube  A couple of options for you......one is just take the licensing classes for knowledge....never get your license.

Personally I don't think it is a great idea to get your license to do 1/2 personal deals a year.....get an experienced active realtor on your team.  Real estate is a team sport.   My thought is getting a great realtor on your team will save you a lot of time, money, effort, and headaches.....vs trying to do it on your own.   You want to be competent.   Doing 1 or 2 a year to try to save commission is probably not a good idea for 99% of investors....there is just more to it than that, and you'll probably be your own worst enemy.

I guess it might depend on how many deals you plan to do.  If you're doing 10-20 deals a year....you can build competency.

There are brokerages that will take you on if you want to be part time....probably depends on what your plan is.   Same thing...if it is just 1-2 a year, they may not want the expense or liability.   If you plan is to do 10-20...that makes it more interesting.

One thing you might want to do is take in person classes vs online if you feel like you really want to get licensed and join a brokerage.  Might give you the option to network and find small brokerage willing to take you on....like a place where wife is the broker, husband is in class to get licensed so he can assist.  Sometimes they might be willing to take you on at a low cost.

?Good luck...best wishes....Florida is probably on fire right now it seems.....how do you get rid of all the UHaul trucks?