Real Estate Investor and Real Estate Agent. Best balance.

[Ernest Chamblee]

Good day BP community, hope all is well! 

I would like to discuss the balance of being an agent-investor, or investor-agent (whichever way you identify).  Many investors pursue the license for it's perks, and many agents begin investing once they become comfortable with the transactions. To those active on both sides:

Is anyone in the BP community successfully operating two businesses, a full on Real Estate Salesperson Business and an Investing business (wholesale, flips and holds)?

Which did you start with; Investing or Agent?

What challenges have you faced that you attribute to the difference in businesses?

If you had to choose just one to operate, which would it be?

Recently passed State and National exams, and would appreciate some perspective. Thank you!

Ernest 

[Leslie Bandy]

I am both an investor (buy and hold) and agent. It's a great combination and drives a huge amount of my business and gives me a great skill-set to work with. 

I started as a homebuyer in the competitive, expensive Bay Area market, then as an investor, then became an agent. My brokerage trains to do business with investors which is relatively rare but why I joined.  My investor training also helps with my work with "retail" buyers and sellers.

Far from putting up roadblocks, I find that doing both gives me a great transferable skill set that works on both sides.

I couldn't operate just one but the long term plan is to continue investing in buy and holds as a retirement plan.  

I hope that helps but feel free to reach out if I can be of any help.