Realtor license to gain full MLS access

[Jon Graham]

So I've done a few flips and wholesale deals with varying degrees of success. Getting started as a REI has been a lot of work which I enjoy. The more I get into it the more I realize there different levels of investors that a beginner like me can't even access. The big boys if you will. For instance the wholesale deals that get presented to me are the ones that have been picked over by the heavy hitters before I even get a glance.

I've been putting thought into trying to help myself get a bit of an edge to get off the ground floor. I've done some research online trying to find a way to get full access to MLS without having to go through a realtor. The websites that are out there seem to only offer partial or outdated info. Not that I prob couldn't ask a realtor friend to give me access, but I'd rather have direct access myself.

I’ve been considering getting my realtors license in order to gain access. I thought this might have the added benefit of helping me get more familiar with real estate contracts and procedures. 

I live in NW Indiana, and I believe in Indiana you have to become a ‘broker’ and not just an agent. Which I’m not 100% clear on the differences but there seems to be extra work involved obviously. 

Can someone please tell me if I'm stupid for considering this path? I don't necessarily plan to become a full time realtor, but would getting my license really be a benefit? Once I get the license, do I have to sign onto a real estate company to gain access to the MLS or can I get access operating independently? The main goal for me is to have more tools to be able to find and secure better properties for wholesaling and flipping. You know, until I become one of the major players... All advice welcome.

[Mark Russell]

I just paid a realtor $500 splitting the annual dues for mls to gain access. It’s been worth it for me for doing comps because Texas is a non disclosure state. Later down the road I intend to get my license as a realtor though for the added benefits.