Is obtaining a real estate license worth it for a new investor?

[Stephanie Althouse]

Hi All! 

I am new to investing, looking to get into flips initially and then potentially work my way into buy and hold properties. I was thinking about obtaining my real estate license (Pennsylvania) in order to learn a bit more but more importantly, access the MLS. From my understanding, I would have to hang my license under a broker in order to be active and access the database. At the moment, I have my current full time W2 job while also actively pursuing my own investment properties and flips, so dedicating additional time to a broker sounds daunting. I've done my fair share of research and some may say "waste of time, find an agent for the MLS automated listings"- but wouldn't it be helpful if I could do myself? Any insight or guidance here? Any and all information is appreciated. [I'm located in Philadelphia, if that helps :)]

Thanks!

-Stephanie

[Dustin Allen]

@Stephanie Althouse

You should get your real estate license if you want to help buy and sell houses for other people. 

If it’s only for your flipping business, I would suggest you get the flipping business running first. When you have that down and are doing a healthy number of flips per year, maybe it would be worth getting your license to make commissions on acquisitions and dispositions. You will need to find a broker who will let you do that as most just want you to sell and earn commissions for clients in the traditional fashion.