Part-Time Agent Feasibility opinions

[Joseph Parker]

Numerous times throughout the past few years, I've strongly considered taking the 90-hour course/exam to earn my license here in Indiana, but have heard mixed opinions from local agents on whether or not it would be feasible, beneficial, profitable, etc.

I currently have a W2 job as Controller of a midsize beer wholesaler that I do not plan to leave any time soon. The "issue" I'm having as of late is that I've automated a decent amount of the work processes here, which leaves me with a lot, and I mean a lot, of spare time on a weekly basis. Therefore, I get bored and spend a lot of time on sites like BP trying to expand my real estate investing knowledge! LOL. Also a lot of time spent trying to thing of other passive income streams along with jobs that I can do from my computer at work, which have evaded me thus far.

The question I have for you all is a list of the pros & cons of gaining my real estate license to use on a part-time basis.

My job is flexible in that I can leave the office to make appointments nearly any time of the day and am able to answer phone calls. My boss/owner of the company would not get upset and actually encourages me to get involved in various groups and organizations in town knowing it will take up some work time here in the office.

It obviously costs money to take the course and exam, then I need to find a brokerage to hold my license, correct? What are the average annual fees to maintain the license? Would it make sense for me to primarily act as a selling agent which means less time spent compared to showing buyers multiple homes? Do brokerages frown upon part-time agents or would they welcome me with open arms and team me up with an experienced agent for a few deals to learn the ropes? Would it just take one or two sales to break even on those annual ongoing costs?

I'd also use my license for my own investing purposes, of course, if opportunities ever present themselves in my market.

Any opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated!!!