I was doing a lot of legwork and still paying RE agent for the transactions up until got my own license.pros: no commissions in your transactionseasier qualification as real estate professional to offset high W2 of spousecan get access to any house/ easy logisticsmore control in the transactionMLS access with all the information on tip of your fingers, you can move fast with the deallicense knowledge helps to make better decisions and gives broader understanding of the industrycan legally do property management for others, wholesale (many states now making outlaw to do it without license)cons:need to take an exam (it needs preparation and to be good not just barely pass you need to study)fees you pay along the way (MLS, brokerage(I signed with investor-focused on and have a monthly fee and a transaction rate))self-management including taxes and feesneed to relicense + paid education Don't forget the biggest con.

It's time to take control.

I just buy in good locations and control what I can (forcing appreciation, managing and maintaining properties well).

The thing about RE that I like is my ability to control the individual deal.

Being a KC guy I help a lot of Californai people invest here in multifamily and they come here for cash flow, landlord friendly laws, tenant laws, no rent control, lower property taxes, protection from style of governing.Hope that helps! 

You lack control over the investment, regardless if the fitness center has windows or not.

Yes I do.I have a solo 401k Roth - no custodian requiredI have a self directed IRA with checkbook control - also a ROTH. 

But your tenants should ultimately know that you control their ability to remain in that unit, so if they become too difficult -  you just let them know at the end of their lease you will not be offering a renewal if things don't improve - whatever the issues may be.  

Having been a PM in commercial construction for 15 years they do not control the acquisition cost or disposition cost.

If you do it right, the returns are better and you have control, meaning you can refi, sell or hold in the time frame you choose.