What are the monthly costs associated with being a realtor?

[Jack B.]

I'm planning on taking the 90 hour training course so I can sit for the exam and no longer have to rely on realtors for open houses, MLS listings, etc. But before I do, what can I expect as far as monthly fees? From what I understand I have to be hitched to a broker initially.

[Blair Poelman]

If you're going to be successful as a Real Estate Investor, you will be successful with or without a license.  Just my 2 cents - but a license isn't really necessary to make money in this game.

Yes, you will have to work for a broker for either a specific amount of time, or you will have to close some amount of deals before you can get a broker license -this varies by state, so check your local division for the requirements.

So... are you asking about the financial costs?  or the emotional costs?

Financial:  moderate / but can be heavy
At a minimum you should plan on paying at least $200 depending on how active you are.
Annual renewals (usually 2 or 4 year renewals) are about $200.
MLS fees are usually $30-$50 / Mo, mine is $35.
Local association ranges - mine is $75 / mo. paid annually
NAR is $10 / mo. paid annually.
CE can be free, or can be a cost.  My MLS does a bunch for free.
Any other certifications you get may have an annual membership cost.
Marketing material, signs & lockboxes get pricey. 
Driving around clients is going to cost gas, plus you're going to detail your car once a week to make sure it's always clean when a client gets in.
Some brokerages charge a desk fee - usually $100 but I've seen these range as low as $50, and as high as $600

Emotional cost:  HEAVY.
Working as a full time agent is pretty tough.  Representation is a hard game to play.  You really have no control of what happens, no matter how well you manage your clients.

The really good money most of us make in Real Estate is made by doing deals. Sure, I'll represent clients - but I turn a lot down (refer it out), and I pick and choose who I'm going to work with.