I'm not exactly sure what your strategy is, but we had similar concerns and have found ways to do these tasks remotely.We are renting by the room, and we didn't want to have to go to the property for showings, move-in/out inspections.

;)Putting the 401k aside for the moment, I think the first task you have is to show your brother(s) that you are serious and you have done your homework.

Put it this way:  what are the mission tasks you expect out this agent whilst on your team? 

When it comes to Real Estate, one of the most important and time-consuming tasks is finding the correct contact information for all relevant parties.

The people anti texting on this thread are not motivated sellers.

You can also do your own deals, but to get experience you can show homes, do inspections and other tasks to quickly gain experience, knowledge and confidence (for you and your sphere).

I'm basing my statement that rent control is likely statewide based on what OR did,  CA is now doing,  and the fact that we've already gotten eviction and notification changes to statewide RLTA this year and given current makeup of state houses and governor its likely we get something similar to Oregons "anti gouging" measure next session.   

We do 20+ flips a year and have systems in place that it would be a very ineffective use of my time at this point to do any of the tasks that come along with having a license. 

Of course, vetting the sponsor is the most crucial task. 

Do one task at a time in each app so you can compare apples to apples.Load a property with pictures and details.Market that property.See what your marketing looks like from the public's perspective.Submit a fake application to see how easy the process is.