Are RE license fees necessary? Is MLS access worth all the fees?

[Steve Edwards]

I am interested in flipping homes, and am considering getting my rel estate license. However, a friend mentioned that the costs are quite high. She mentioned Error and Omissions fees, Broker fees and MLS listing fees. This sounds very expensive. Are all these fees necessary?

Also, if I need to be sponsored by a broker, what should I look for in a broker? Generally speaking, would a broker be willing to take me on even if I'm not selling properties?

Is MLS access beneficial for a wannabe flipper? Seems like lots of people send out letters instead.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!