Rules of Real Estate License

[Carly Turow]

I'm considering getting my REL in Florida, but not really to become a full-time agent. Rather, I'm interested in real estate investing, but know very little (BP is helping though!) and figured that a REL would:

1. Help me learn a ton about this brand new field to me

2. Open up the possibility of doing my own listings/sales of future properties

3. Allow me to list/sell my boyfriend's house, and seek out a home for my father in FL (save him the RE commission)

My question is (because I can't seem to find a clear-cut answer online)... Once you obtain your REL, do you have to work for a broker to "activate" your license? Is the REL good for nothing unless you become an agent with a company? If so, I'll likely opt-out, and instead, connect with Real Estate Agents in the areas of Florida needed and learn as much from BP as possible.

Any feedback is a huge help!

[Carly Turow]

@Dan Maciejewski Here's a market question for you! Something I've been wondering about. I spoke a couple weeks ago to a real estate agent (one of only 2 that I know since I'm new to Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and he told me that the demand around here is so high right now that almost every house he goes to show a client, there are 7-8 other people waiting in line to view the place. I'm not sure what the best source is to refer to in order to see what house prices are looking like right now (and, compared to their actual value..)... 

In general, though, when a market is hot like this, and it's a "seller's market".. is that not really a good time to invest in real estate since places tend to be listed at a higher price? Or, does that not really matter, because when you invest you can always find places that are in bankruptcy, desperate sellers, etc. ?