Currently have 5 units and have an individual policy for each unit (paying separate broker commission on each).  

i feel they are more concerned with their commissions instead of teaching and looking out for clients best interest.  

i would think if you're buying through them, then you're compensating them bc they're getting a buyer's agent commission...i tell my buyer's agent that i always list with a flat fee so he knows ahead of time, this way he doesn't feel slighted by me...but you can also list with that agent if you want..and again, it doesn't hurt to take them to lunch...what are you trying to do exaclty?

Our full service stock broker recently recommended that we sell all our securities and buy mutual funds, of course incurring almost a 1K in fees and commissions.

If for any reason you decide to go around the agent and talk directly to the seller you cannot say anything that implies cutting the agent out of their commission.

This is what can be done in Illinois: Answer the telephone, take messages, and forward calls to a licenseeSubmit listings and changes to an MLSFollow up on a transaction after a contract has been signedAssemble documents for a closingSecure public information documents from a courthouse, sewer district, water district, or other repository of public informationHave keys made for a company listingDraft advertising and promotional materials for approval by a licenseePlace advertisingRecord and deposit earnest money, security deposits, and rentsComplete contract forms with business and factual information at the direction of and with approval by a licenseeMonitor licenses and personnel filesCompute commission checks and perform bookkeeping activitiesPlace signs on propertyOrder items of routine repair as directed by a licenseePrepare and distribute flyers and promotional information under the direction of and with approval by a licenseeAct as a courier to deliver documents, pick up keys, etc.Place routine telephone calls on late rent paymentsSchedule appointments for the licensee (does not include making phone calls, telemarketing, or performing other activities to solicit business on behalf of the licensee)Respond to questions by quoting from published informationSit at a property for a broker tour that is not open to the publicGather feedback on showingsPerform maintenance, engineering, operations, or other building trades work and answer questions about such workProvide securityProvide concierge services and other similar amenities to existing tenantsManage or supervise maintenance, engineering, operations, building trades, and securityPerform other administrative, clerical, and personal activities for which a license is not requiredIn Illinois, an unlicensed assistant may NOT perform the following tasks:Host open houses, kiosks, home show booths, or fairsShow propertyInterpret information on listings, titles, financing contracts, closings, or other information related to a real estate transactionExplain or interpret a contract, listing, lease agreement, or other real estate document with anyone outside the employing licensee’s firmNegotiate or agree to any commission, commission split, management fee, or referral fee on behalf of a licenseePerform any other activity for which a real estate license is required

Total profit of probably about $70k minus 3% buyers agent commission and other closing expenses..so, I should make about a $65k total profit + 5 years of rental income.

Their commission comes from the sellers end anyways.

I was thinking a commission free Vanguard REIT ETF but I'm not too sure where the market is heading on a whole.Thanks!

Eghbali could then manipulate loan costs and ultimately increase the number of loans he closed, increasing his commissions.