Realtor and Investor, any ethical issues

[Manmohan Singh]

Are there any issues in buying properties using MLS for your personal investment portfolio when you have a realtor license in Texas? My wife is planning to switch career and become realtor and we both plan to buy 3-4 rental properties in 2019. Wanted to know if there are any ethical issues or disclosure requirements we should be aware of. I would assume we can't buy the property if my wife is representing the client but other than that, I don't think would be any issues. Please advise.

[Russell Brazil]

You need to disclose that you are licensed. Its generally a bad idea to buy a property if your spouse is representing the other side, thats a recipe for a lawsuit. You need to be aware that your e&o insurance will not cover you when you are a party to the transaction. Due to that, I generally now have one of my colleagues represent me in transactions and I represent them in theirs. But for us as full time agenta, our licenses are too valuable to risk.