Brokers don't like agent/investors?

[Andy Tomlinson]

So I was talking with a broker today with 40 plus years of experience. I was explaining to him that I wanted to get my NY RE license and was wondering what the next step would be after I passed the exam. In our conversation I also mentioned that I was very interested in owning investment property as well. He proceeded to tell me that as a broker it is a huge liability to work with investor/agents. In fact, he has terminated employment of agents who owned apartments while under his brokerage. I know that I want to get my license for a number of reasons but I didn't expect him to say that. I know there are agent/investors out there but how do I get around this obstacle?

[Wayne Brooks]

Usually a Broker doesn't have an issue with an agent being a straight up investor/property owner.  It's when the agent ventures into the wholesaling, "creative" investing/assigning, etc. where the lines can get blurred between agent/investor, a potential agency relationship with sellers/buyers where agent has no intention of acting as an "agent".  It opens up obvious potential for conflict of interests, breaches of implied fiduciary responsibilities, etc.