Getting your Real Estate License in Todays Market

[Craig Smith]

Good morning BP Nation! I wanted to get some opinions on getting your real estate license in today's market for the purpose of finding deals to invest in for the purpose of flipping. Is it worth doing this still, considering the cost of fees each year. I'm in Baltimore Maryland and I'm trying to find the best way to get started in the investing business. I eventually want to start a property management company for future multi family properties I plan to acquire as well as manage properties for other investors. On the state of Maryland licensing website it states that you do not need to be a licensed broker to own a property management company but would it still be beneficial to have the knowledge of an agent to run the property management company successfully? Thank you in advance for any advice you have.

[Pietro Rondinelli]

@Craig Smith

When I decided to head down the real estate investment road, I knew virtually nothing related to the topic. Getting my license provided me a large amount of quality insight into the real estate world (granted, from the salesperson perspective), in a relatively short amount of time that I could build upon. I now have the freedom and flexibility to openly browse MLS listings and gain entry into distressed properties after my day-job without having to depend on someone else or their schedule. This is of course at a cost. To me, what I pay for my license and MLS fees is offset by the convenience these things provide for me. This remains a controversial topic, but in this ever changing and litigious landscape, best to cover all your bases as well as you can. Quality education is a part of that process. Good luck!