Question about getting licensed

[Debbie Ryken]

Should I get licensed as a real estate agent as an investor? Has anyone taken the classes on-line? Would you suggest classroom instruction versus on-line? Thank you!

[Bob Okenwa]

It depends on what you plan to do with real estate. Buy and hold investing doesn't have the same kind of impact on your bottom line as an agent as flipping does since you can save 3% on the back end as an agent when selling a flip. The biggest advantage is being able to view homes on your own schedule and not having to wait on agent to send you MLS-listed properties since you can view them on your own.

[Stephen Herbert]

There is literally nothing bad that will come from being a licensed REA and investor. It will likely make you a much more effective communicator when it comes to putting offers in, it will give you insight into how you should assess and look at deals, and where you should be looking for deals. 

While you will learn a lot through experience, you can also forgo several mistakes by front-loading your education and getting licensed.

[Debbie Ryken]

Thank you for your response.

[Jeff Brower]

I got my license a couple years ago with the intent to just use it personally and I am glad I did. I help 2-3 friends/coworkers a year and it puts some extra change in my pocket. Plus, like mentioned above, there is nothing better than seeing a home pop up for sale and being able to be the first person in it, and first one able to make an offer.