Question for CRE brokers: How did you earn $ when starting out?

[Andrew Smith]

I'm thinking of accepting a job offer to become a commercial real estate broker in a major city (Los Angeles).  The thing that worries me is the lack of income and health benefits when starting out.

For those of you who are established commercial real estate brokers, how did you stay afloat financially while beginning your career? Did you take a side job with flexible hours that also offered health benefits? Or did you dip into your savings and pay for health insurance out of pocket?

How long did it take before you earned your first commission, and how long before you started earning reliable income?

Thanks in advance.

[Andrew Smith]

Originally posted by @Michael T.:

@Andrew Smith it looks like based on previous posts you've been in the process for two years so hopefully you've been able to save enough money that if you do go full time that you'll have enough until you sell your first commercial property.

As @Nabil Suleiman mentions most agents starting out have a solid savings, have someone helping in the short term or try residential real estate until they are able to break into commercial.  

I don't do full commercial, however, I do a lot with multi units 2-4 and with residential real estate here in Los Angeles.

Since my previous posts from 2017, I've been earning a steady paycheck working in property management here in Los Angeles. 

I've remained interested in becoming a commercial real estate broker, though, and just received an offer from a reputable commercial real estate brokerage firm to become a Junior Broker. I am very intrigued by the long term earnings potential, plus I believe that I would enjoy being a broker more than my current duties in property management.

I've saved a fair amount over the past few years but am still a little bit wary of having no safety net in a commission-only job with no health or dental benefits.

I may have to ask my parents for some financial assistance and/or get a side job with flexible hours and health/dental benefits.

Thanks for your response, and please let me know if there is anything else I should keep in mind before taking the plunge into becoming a commercial real estate broker.