San Antonio TX- licensed or not?

[Emily Hunt]

Hello BP community! I am new to this site and to investing. I'm wondering how many investors, specifically in Texas, have their real estate license? What are your reasons for having/not having it? 

If you do not have your license, what issues have you run into as far as for sale by owner and closings? 

I have been looking more into vacant land (retipster.com has been a great resource) but I'm curious what other resources were helpful to you as you got started? I love motivational books/podcasts, but at this point I am looking more for detailed case studies/examples/ and techniques. 

Thanks in advance for your input! 

[Seth Teel]

I am a full-time investors and have my real estate license.  

PROs:

• Adds a level of professionalism
• Access to MLS
• Networking with other agents
• Access to resources of TREC, TAR, NAR, SABOR, & other groups
• Listing your owner properties
• Ability to earn commissions (or given them up in order to get a deal)
• Ongoing education that keeps you at the forefront of the market, legal issues, & trends

CONs:

• More liability (assume professional liability)
• Some people just don't like RE agents
• Realtor - often considered the last bastion of hope for people who have failed to launch a  successful career in anything else.
• Dues, Fees, Insurance, Expenses in General
• Subject to rules and laws that don't apply to non-realtors
• Having to work with TREC (they are just very slow and cumbersome to work with)

For me, I find it worth it to be a professional in my field.  I make enough off listings, save enough off listing my own properties, and get enough leads through being a realtor, that it makes it 100% worth the expense, time, and hassle.