@Ryan Kwech I got my start being a business broker and helped people buy and sell restaurants, gas stations, hair salons and mfg. facilities etc. I got into it in 2006 and by the time I got good at it, the crash came along and wrecked that side of the real estate business. When I started investing, I just liked the creative deals side of houses and working with people that I could help. commercial is generally a boys club atmosphere and its all about numbers. I like to find solutions, use creative financing ideas to help people solve problems, so although I would do commercial deals, its just not my focus.
As far as getting your license. I'm on the side of getting it. As long as you are honest and ethical, there is no reason not to get it. Why not get paid to buy a house? I've bought and flipped several short sales ( I found the sellers myself). They have to be listed in the MLS, so I list them, then I buy them and get paid on both sides and that helps fund a portion of the flip or whatever I want to do with the money. 6% of 100k purchase means it covers your closing costs or appliance package or bonuses for trades etc. If you are buying a home for yourself or helping a family member, you get that commission. If you don't want to be an agent, just hang your license with a referral brokerage and pay dues. Biggest thing you have to do if you continue to wholesale is make sure you disclose..everywhere..everytime. For me, if I'm talking to a seller, distressed or not, I have more tools in my belt being licensed. Why would I walk out without a deal..I can buy it on terms as an investor or if it is better for them, list it and get them more money. I could also connect them with an i-buyer and still get paid that way too. I just change hats depending on what works best for them. Thats where the honest and ethical part comes in.
Hope this helps!