Do you need to work for a broker to buy investment properties

[Paul Orli]

Do you need to work for a broker if you are licensed real estate agent to buy your own investment properties?

[Jeff Copeland]

You can buy whatever you want, with or without a real estate license. 

But in order to take full advantage of your real estate license (earn/save the commission on a property you purchase, for example), your license must be active with a broker in most states. 

Real estate commissions are not paid to the agent. They are paid to the broker/brokerage. The agent's compensation thereafter depends on their compensation plan with their broker. 

There may be slight variations from state to state, but generally speaking: Yes, you can buy a property without an active real estate license. But no, you cannot earn a commission if your license is not active with a broker.