I'm not surprised at all that people dealing in real estate cheat, pay people under the table, decide what's best for them and ignore laws.

Going the partner route J suggested is also a good way to start, particularly since you are an agent and can bring the deals to the table.

In the mean time I’m putting bread, actually more like takeout, on the table as a site analyst for an online clothing retailer.I’m looking forward to being an active member of this community and hopefully making some meaningful business and personal connections.

Waiting tables can be lucrative... and a great ground zero for making connections.I would start with reading books, following blogs and listening to podcasts before you spend money on a RE license.

Probably to @Timothy Riley question of what you bring to the table.

Taking food off of our table?

I then quickly realized how much money I was leaving on the table when I would toss leads.

Plus since the tenant is in the state of packing, a lot of items are in a state of flux, with multiple showings, I just hate a tenant to blame something on my showings - "I had an iPad on top of the coffee table this morning, and it's gone".So I typically wait till the property is vacated and I had a chance to clean it to show it, but I like to hear from other landlords who have showned their units during the last weeks of occupancy.

A contractor who has good relationships with clients and suppliers, will bring commitment and reliability to the table.

You'll have more fun doing it for real for yourself in addition.FWIW every successful REI I listen to their story started out pushing a lawnmower or waited tables.