A couple of things that are concerning: you're still in college and you mentioned having a minimum wage job and your brother just started his W2 job that pays $45k + commissions. 

Today, I wanted to chat about something that's been a major topic of discussion in our industry—the recent NAR settlement and its potential impacts on real estate agents.For those who might not be fully up to speed, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently reached a proposed settlement agreement related to broker commissions.

Some agents engage in whats called a variable rate commission.

Commissions are the generous and similar to other agencies. 

Quote from @Michael Smythe: @Oliver Martinez please define "well"...Local Housing Commissions are still paying on time for the most part.

Virtually every state licensing commission doesn't allow licensees to wholesale.

If you cash out refinance you incur (more or less) all the lending fees associated with a financed property purchase (even though you are just refinancing the property you already own), and then you incur significant fees when you sell the property (closing costs, commissions, etc).  

Agree with @JD Martin, off market investor groups are likely going to offer you less than retail even if you pay a commission, if they even have the money to begin with. 

During the housing boom, it was the complete opposite—they even dropped realtor commissions to 2% and made buyers pay most of their closing costs.It sounds like a great time to buy. 

I found a lender here in Spokane that will allow me to go through the process in 6 months or so, since i found long term employment with a great salary (plus some commission)!