Depending on what kind of architecture practice you want to have, it could help your expertise as well as your own finances.  

Practice doing calculations on potential properties as they come on the market to enhance not only your understanding of REI in your area but also to develop an idea of what a great deal looks like.

Please share experience on this if you have some, I'd love to know some best practices.

Not sure if that was because of the large increase in the value or just standard practice.

This will mitigate the practice of HOA Boards and their lawyers taking on narrow and special interest litigation that is funded by home owners without community approval or benefit.

@Derek Lacy - You are the insurance expert and I'm sure there is some official definition of "self-insured", but I was referring to the practical effect of it, that is, I (self) pledged my resources to stand behind and cover whatever property damage might have occurred.

During both I was shocked to discover a lot of unethical / fraudulent practices by licensed RE professionals.1) Rental fraud - While marketing my luxury condo in a building with very low inventory I caught one broker advertising my friends condo unit in the same building without her knowledge. 

Can I simply purchase E&O insurance for myself and practice as an individual without joining another brokerage company?

Hi Glen, Common practice when vetting a new area is to put up test ads in craigslist.  

I am not sure if that is a standard practice of their broker or a function of the state REC, etc.I’ve tried to return the favor by giving them name and number to folks I approach to buy a property and while they indicate a willingness to sell – they are looking for full retail and not the “wholesale” type price I offer.