Should I become an agent?

[Eli Freedman]

Hi everyone. I'm an investor and recently decided to try to go more into flipping. I thought that it would be worth it to become licensed as an agent so that every time I buy and sell I don't need to go through another agent. Additionally, why should I give away a commission if I can keep it myself? However, I've heard it said that for an investor it is best not to become an agent as it limits one in what one may do as an investor. What are people's opinions regarding this? Are there really disadvantages to become an agent as an investor? And are they enough to outweigh the advantages? Thanks so much.

[Gavin Welch]

I was an investor first then I got my real estate license.  I send more time on the investments and really don't have the time to invest to really rock the realtor roll.  There are a lot more rules and fees that you are going to have to pay to become a realtor.  

Depending on how many homes you are flipping you might consider partnering with an agent and because you are doing more deals they should give you a significant discount.

I recently moved my real estate to another brokerage to partner with a friend that is flipping 50 properties this year.  They are handling rehabs (theirs and mine) and managing crews/ projects and I am selling properties (theirs and mine), helping find deals and dealing with bird dogs. ..  Its a win-win for both of us...

Good luck.. 

Gavin