Pros/Cons of having a real estate license as an investor

[Jaime Amezquita]

Hello, my name is Jaime. I live in Alhambra, California. I am just getting started in real estate investing. I'm wondering what are the pros and cons and of having a real estate license as an investor? I have been reading the information provided by big pockets, but I would appreciate some candid feedback. Thank you.

[Jason Hastings]

I am licensed in California, I mostly invest my own money in the Dallas area. I work with a developer in the LA area. I feel there is NO Cons on getting licensed (expect for the time put in to study and pay for your exam). You learn the state laws and regulations, the laws on being a landlord and eviction process. Did you know, there is no such thing as Mortgage in California ... You have access to MLS, which isn't as big of a deal as people make it out to be. BUT what the MLS does do is give you a lot of information that can be used to contact owners, know what their loans are if you are trying to find off market properties. If you work with a brokerage you will be able to network and find off market listings, learn from successful RE agents. If you flip you now have a pool of potential buyers, if you rent you have renters. To me it's a no brainer, it's adding a very powerful tool to your investing. Most people who are against getting their license, don't have a license. They're not speaking from experience. The whole RE world is constantly evolving and changing, being up to date with the current laws and regulations is important. You will learn more and be more confident in your RE investing career, speaking with people, and you will be taken more seriously. Why not save 2-3% when you list your own house that you just flipped and listed...Knowledge is priceless, use it as an excuse to learn more.