To Realtor or Not to Realtor?

[Chris Taylor]

So like most newbies on here I am looking to transition from my current occupation to real estate with my primary goal being buy and hold rentals.  I have read a lot of mixed opinions about becoming a licensed agent.  I don't think becoming a licensed agent will benefit me in the short term but it may be beneficial long term.  That being said, I was considering taking all the proper course work (it costs around $1500 at a local community college) just so I could learn the more technical details of the business.  Then if I decide to pursue it in the future I will at least have the course work completed, and if I don't, at least I will have gained knowledge.

What got me thinking about this was a property that came out on the MLS Saturday afternoon. This Property is listed at $38K but would have an ARV of $100K after about $30K to $40K in repairs. Me as an average Joe could only contact a real estate agent to inquire ...which I did. But good luck getting a response from an agent on Saturday evening especially when you are a buyer with little experience and zero investment properties. I then contact a guy I work with that is a real estate investor but is also a licensed agent. Within 30 minutes he had all the details (beyond what was listed on the MLS) of the property including the fact the owner is taking cash only and will not accept any offers until it has been on the market for 5 days. Then because he is a licensed agent he was able to access the lock box and get inside. In this particular scenario it doesn't matter because the owner is not accepting offers for 5 days. However, if the seller was someone who cared more about a quick sale then I would be at a disadvantage.

My question is ... is it worth it to become a licensed agent if you are a buy and hold investor?  And if not, is it worth spending the $1500 on the course work if you have no intent on becoming an agent?