Should I get my MORTGAGE / Loan Origination License?

[James Park]

Practically every other week you would see a post on Bigger Pockets "If I should get my real estate license" but I have not seen anyone ask if they should get their mortgage license. Firstly, I don't believe one can be very competent trying to become successful at both. You should either try to become a success broker or a loan originator, but not both. 

I am wondering if it would be worth my time to get my mortgage license to refinance and originate my own personal loans for my investment properties. I have absolutely no interest in originating loans for my clients or other people as I know the team and paperwork that will be required to run a mortgage brokerage business.

So for those of your who are in the mortgage business, do you think it would be worth my time? In the real estate brokerage business, one would need to get their sales license and work under a broker for 3 years before they can take the broker state exam and open up their own brokerage firm.  

What is the process for the mortgage license and hours required to take the exam? What are the annual costs involved and would I be required to hang my NMLS license with another mortgage broker? Would I need a mortgage brokerage or a bank to sponsor me to take the NMLS state exam.

Thank you.

James