In most states, if not all, it is illegal to operate as a licensee before you have your license unless it is for your own property.

While there are plenty of investors who will insist that becoming a licensee is burdensome, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. 

But then begs the question again, dont you need to be sponsored by a broker to be an active licensee?

That's what you're called as a new licensee in Colorado, which does sound a lot classier than the "sales agent" or "salesman" that some states use, lol.

At the very least a transaction licensee.  

You’ll need this form (http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/...) and you can find Live Scan locations here: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/...Step 2 - Apply for your Exam and License ($305 and wait up to 6 weeks)Fill out this form: http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/...Check to make sure you pay the correct fee: http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/...Mail your completed application, fee, course transcripts and live scan forms to:Bureau of Real EstatePO Box 137001Sacramento, CA 95813–7001Wait up to 6 weeks for exam date - view current processing times here: http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/...Step 3 - Take the exam ($0 and 3 Hours)You’ll have 3 hours 15 minutes to complete 150 4-answer multiple choice questions.

They publish a list of licensees athttp://www.mkedcd.org/build/dcContractors.htmlIncludes license num, phone, address, etc.

It teaches you how to handle real estate transactions for your buyers and sellers.The "cost" you think you are saving from representing yourself (rather than having another licensee rep you), may well cost you a lot more than you can imagine if you are not careful. 

US Dept. of Justice on Realtor Rebates        https://www.justice.gov/atr/rebates-make-buying-home-less-expensive         https://www.justice.gov/atr/competition-and-real-estate-state-31                                                                  FREC (Florida Real Estate Commission) Rule 61J2-10.028 paragraph (2)The sharing of brokerage compensation by a licensee with a party to the real estate transaction (i.e. the buyer or seller) with full disclosure to all interested parties is not considered a violation.Facts: Seller Concessions to pay for Buyer's closing costs and prepaids are NOT the same as REALTOR REBATE. 

Hope I'm not out of line commenting as a non-licensee, Mike.As a seller I would think it pretty stand-up to say, as my listing agent, you won't charge commission on seller concessions.