For example, I am currently looking at online REEBroker for brokerage service that offers a fixed $500 fee per transaction. 

If you do not plan to be an active agent and work with other buyers and sellers, then I don't think the big-box brokerages would benefit you.

Being from Seattle, and though I service Tacoma in my brokerage and mortgage business, I personally don't invest there, because I prefer to be closer to the properties I own.To answer your questions:What would you say is the Tacoma area's economic status?

He'll know contracts and the value well, but the transaction can still be closed directly at a title or attorneys office without official brokerage listing or commissions paid to anyone. 

(between the broker, agent, and clients)Thanks,

(between the broker, agent, and clients)Thanks,

The brokerage brokers that I was talking to said that since my pay has been not steady being a student worker, they'd have to report my income as an average for the past 2 years.

Hi, @Lauren Billups.If you send me a private message I can introduce you to Walker Huey who has a brokerage that specializes in farm land in West TN.

Although most areas split commission, some brokerages in that area are doing 60/40 splits.

It's the whole brokerages policy, so all of the agents at HI RE Team do it.