Becoming my own agent

[Rodrigo Bell]

Hi folks! I've read up and watched the material on BiggerPockets regarding becoming one's own real estate agent for investment purposes, but see if folks that have done this have concrete advise on how to find a brokerage firm that will be willing to work with me since I'm only interested in being an agent for buying and selling my own properties. I'd also love to hear if anyone has more concrete numbers (esp in the Seattle, WA market) around the ongoing costs that I'd be looking at as an agent.

[Scott M.]

As I recall last time this was asked here most people said don't waste your money just buy books.  I, like you, started just buying investment property for myself, then friends and family wanted one so I helped them then before I knew it people I had no idea who they were wanted investment property and I had to get my license.  No longer a "want to" but a "have to".  

To me this all comes down to you and how you learn.  I would never be motivated enough to sit down and read books and learn that way.  Having a structured class with times and tests, while I hated all of it, was best for my style of learning. I met a lot of others in class.  I found my broker from someone else in class and at that time I did just want you want.  I didn't want to work there, just hang my license there so I could do what I wanted.  Even the teacher was of great help.

Same thing happened when I went for my builders license and brokers.  Networking was great.  

At the time I had no idea what my real estate career was going to turn into and for me, getting my license opened up a ton of doors and still allowed me to achieve my investment goals.  

But like I said, last time this question was asked I was in the minority.