Should I get my real estate license while Active Duty

[Matt A.]

Hello Everyone,

I'm two years away from separating from the Army, but I'm at the point where I'm debating my future career options after separation. I have recently become a SFR investor in TN (two investment properties so far), and I caught the real estate bug. I would like to continue my career in real estate after I leave the Army and continue to grow my portfolio. I'm also currently finishing my bachelor's degree in Commerce and Business Administration. I currently have a slow semester and was wondering if now is a good time to work towards my real estate license in TN. I was wondering how possible it would be for a broker to let me learn and start getting my feet wet at an agency while still on active duty. This would have to be strictly weekends and there would be possible hiatuses if I have any more deployments in the last couple years of my military career. My goal is to only learn the career field in my off time and not have to start from scratch when I'm done with the Army. I wouldn't have to sell any properties, because I have a steady income right now. I just want to learn and build my experience for when I really start in real estate full time. Are the fees of holding a license worth the knowledge I could possibly gain while still serving, or should I just wait until my separation date? Also, the benefits of having my license while investing seems to be a plus from what I've read on BP, but I know that is a debatable subject on the forums. Thank you for any advice and insight everyone.

[William Allen]

I am active duty and just got my RE license a few months ago. I found a brokerage that was fine with me bringing in a small number of closing a year if any. I bring the investor view to the brokerage and try to add value where I can. The dues aren't outrageous and if you save one commission a year you will cover it. I still rely on realtors to bring me deals but I love being able to go in properties on my own and surf the MLS.

FL offers the ability to get your license and keep it inactive while on active duty with no extra training requirements. Not sure if TN does but worth a look. My time is also running now to take the broker exam which is the real goal. Good luck with your decision.