Should I get a real estate license as a new real estate investor?

[Frances N.]

I know nothing about real estate. I’m still doing my due diligence reading books, listening to podcasts, forums, etc. Would it be smart for me to get a real estate license to try and buy my first rental property or hire a realtor instead?

[Dan Maciejewski]

There's no real benefit to getting your license for one purchase.  The only reason to get your license is to sell real estate.  Even most flippers I know partner with a salesperson, even if they are licensed themselves.  Flipping and sales are two different jobs.

As a buyer, it will be next to impossible to save any money by not being represented.  The seller is paying the same amount no matter who brings the buyer in most cases.  And most Realtors aren't shady enough to push your offer above the rest just because they are double ending it.  Many will, but I wouldn't bet saving a few bucks or locking in a deal on the shadiness of a salesperson.  That shadiness will definitely carry over to the rest of the transaction!

The other reason may be to negotiate on your own behalf, but you probably aren't going to be the most savvy on your first purchase (or sale as a Realtor).

And if you want the knowledge that a license can bring -- it's al out there.  And honestly, the info you get for pre-licensing is next to useless in most situations.  I don't need to know how many square feet are in an Acre (although I do remember - 43,560).  I can just look it up in a few seconds if I ever need that info.