Getting licensed in Indiana?

[Alan K Auman]

Just as the title says I'm considering getting my license. I mainly want it to make investing easier (having access to MLS, not having to wait on agents to view properties, etc..) but I am also interested in actually representing sellers and buyers as well. I know many people say the MLS access isn't that beneficial for investors because all the good deals are "off market" but in my area the MLS actually turns up pretty good deals so I do believe having access would give me a slight edge for myself and other investors. Can any Indiana RA's point me towards the best way to get started in this endeavor? I know I could just Google it but I wanted to get some feedback from some actual people who have went through it. Thanks a ton.

[Shawn Holsapple]

I prefer the live, class room myself.  I've taken continuing ed classes online and didn't like -everyone is different.

FC Tucker has a decent program.  I did the 3 week crash course and pushed through it while trying to work full time as well.  It was tough but better than waiting 9 weeks or longer.

I still buy quite a bit from the MLS and make hundreds of offers a month. I couldn't do this without my license.

One thing the forget to tell you is the cost of membership. Expect to shell out about $200 per month for you E&O insurance, MLS access and Board of Realtors memberships.

I personally have no desire being a retail agent.  Showing Ken & Barbie the picket fences isn't my idea of a good way to spend my nights and weekends.

Plus, being a buyers agent for investors is tough as well - since the commissions are so low and they usually want to make many low offers..

As mentioned above, be sure you hook up with an investor friendly broker and learn from them. I would also be sure they have their NAID# so you can make offers on HUD properties - this is one of my better sources of inventory.

I hope that helps.