Should I get my contractors License?

[John Lyszczyk]

I am about 50% done with my study course for the Michigan General Contractor's exam. The main reason I want to get licensed is so I can pull permits on my own, and do most of the work on my rentals/fix-n-flips. 

My question is for those who got their contractors license. How has it benefited you? Has anyone started building small multifamily and has it paid off? I am angling towards home building and small multi-family (2-4 units) construction. Just curious to see who else out there has had success and maybe some pointers for me to think about. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated!