It takes money to get going.Taking the pre-licensing course, exam fees, license fees, MLS fees, NAR fees (if you choose to join), desk fees (if your agency has them), E&O insurance, CRM monthly fees - and that's just the start.Marketing eats a ton of cash, especially in your first years. 

NAR makes it basically impossible for anyone other than a realtor to have access to the MLS. 

I was prepared to associate with a broker and pay those fees, but I have to pay NAR fees and MLS fees on top of it...it may not be as smart as I initially thought!

If he is indeed a Realtor then I would contact the NAR as well.

But me trying to lean on Robert Shiller, and you leaning on say the Lawrence Yun (He is the NAR Chief economist who is one of the first to conjecture that it will affect housing prices) with the opposite view is simply examples of confirmation bias.  

Also, if either one of the agents are part of NAR, it might be beneficial for you to discuss this with them.

You'll very likely make more than the average solo agent who is just starting (look up the stats at NAR), not a lot as an assistant, but more.

@Van AlvaI believe NAR's statistics is 75% of new agents quit in the first year and by third year 90% have quit...First, your broker/brokerage should be giving you some training --- we know the prelicensure training doesn't prepare you for sales.Second, yes, in general YOU need to run your own business as a real estate agent. 

@Ethan GriffelHere’s what I expect from my tenants:Pay rent in timeKeep the house niceShovel/mow as needed Replace light bulbs and smoke det batteries.

Read the NAR chartered Dangers Report--threats to the industry are outlined.