Newly Licensed in Illinois

[Joe Young]

After reading up on real estate and deciding I wanted to begin purchasing rental properties, I decided to take a real estate class just to broaden my knowledge.  After completing the class, I figured I might as well take the licensing test.  Well, I passed. 

I am now wondering what I should expect and what steps I should take for success. I have contacted a Brokerage that I plan on joining (not one of the big guys, so I only pay $199/$399 per sale, $39 monthly, and $1000-$1200 yearly for the MLS (not sure on the number). So, great! I will keep my commission and not be destroyed by fees. Other than that though, I have no idea what to expect. They are going to send me paperwork tomorrow to review and eventually sign. Then what? Order business cards and start hitting the local bars?

I would GREATLY appreciate any advice, step by step what to expect, do's and dont's, or whatever else you believe may be valuable knowledge going into this blindly.  

Thank you all and I look forward to reading, responding, and picking your brains!

[John Warren]

@Joe Young congratulations on getting your license! The license will be what you make of it. If you want to do this as a business then you will need to figure out how to get business and then how to transact business. I started at a 100% commission shop like you are, and this does save money. At the same time, you will have to find your own way. Check out some good books on how to make it as an agent and listen to some podcasts. I like Tom Ferry's podcast as it is free!