Large national broker or smaller local one?

[Jodi M.]

When starting out is it better to go with a large national broker or a smaller local one?

I will have my RE license in June and plan to start off doing it part-time while keeping my day job, using the license for my own investing. I hope to go full time as an agent/investor in a few years. I didn't know it would be very easy to find a broker to work with when I started this process. I haven't signed anything yet but I had intended to go with the smaller one which is investor friendly. They will let me buy/sell a few for myself without paying the brokers part along with a few other perks. Since then a large national company has asked me to come in and atleast consider them. I used that office in the past because I had a friend there who was my agent. I know most of the agents in the office and they have told me they think my experience (Although limited at 1yr) will keep me from needing as much trainning and feel I can be succesful right away. I don't know if they are normally investor friendly but they said they would consider matching any agreements the smaller company offered including the buying/selling 3 without paying the brokers part.

What questions should I ask both brokers and where am I more likely to create higher income? The local company has only been in our market for about 9 months and have already taken over 25% of the listings. Since I'm looking to replace my current income and go full time I want to go with the company that gives me the best chance to create income and invest. Thanks for any ideas!