Well, @Keith Linne summed it pretty well, a VA state license allows you practice in the business of real estate, statewide. As Keith stated, I too, would use my contacts when looking for properties outside of my MLS, such as in Richmond, Va Beach, or below.
The search ability for properties presently on the market, depending on locality, is becoming more and more public. We, as licensed agents, retain easy access to more of the historical data, however I can grant anyone access, through my portal, to all property currently listed in our MLS system, which covers the northern section of the state. Just simply ask me, and with a couple of simple pieces of information, I can set that up for just about anyone.
I can not speak for the other states, but the costs of obtain a licensing in VA is minimal and a little misleading. The larger, reoccurring costs are associated with maintaining a license, insurance and affiliation with an association and MLS service that provides you access to the information.
Best of luck. Feel free to reach out to me anytime.
