Does a real estate license Benefit a Real Estate Investor in Colorado

[Christopher Manganello]

I am just starting out as a real estate investor in Colorado, I've been focusing on the educating myself currently and it dawned on me that taking some real-estate courses and possibly getting my license may benefit me and if anything give me access to MLS postings and just more knowledge and understanding of real-estate. My question is, is can I get a real-estate license without being employeed by a broker or real-estate firm, I work full time in IT and would like to one day invest full time but I do not want to be a real-estate agent. Can I get my license and accomplish the above and do you see a point and benefits in doing so? At this point I just want to obtain as much education and knowledge as I can, that may put me ahead of other investors.
Thank You in advance.
Chris