Property management and real estate license

[Brandon K.]

I am from Illinois and I currently own a company to manage properties that I own, but want to start managing properties for others. I understand that I need to have an active Real Estate License to do this. I am not interested in representing others in buying/selling properties. With this comes a few questions:

1) Can I still buy/ sell properties for myself without having to pay commission to managing broker?
2) Can I run my own property management company without having to pay commission to a managing broker if I don't use any of their services?
3) Is there a way to keep my REL active without having a managing broker? Illinois requires you to have an active license for 2 of the previous 3 years before becoming a managing broker, which is my end goal.

4) Are there any other caveats to being an investor and having a REL?

Thanks!