We have always operated under the belief that "because we (the company) own the properties that we manage, then we are exempt from requiring a broker's license".

I would house hack, but since I have 2 kids and one on the way I don't think that will work lol So has anyone started with just commercial properties, and if I am understanding properly the financing of the loan is based on cash flow not the credit of the person applying...

As well as signed up for some real estate courses to get my real estate license to lay down the foundation for real estate investing.

I am an insurance agent with licenses in Illinois, Missouri and Michigan.

I believe they may only apply to owner occupied properties, but you should probably ask a local lender about those rules as I am not licensed in Texas.

Then I would ask for a copy of the title commitment from company #2 to see if the issue was properly addressed or just ignored.

we have prepared detail business plans, we also have proper income statements from last two years and have good credit history. 

As well as signed up for some real estate courses to get my real estate license to lay down the foundation for real estate investing.

We're new investors, and I've been hearing about all of the benefits of getting my real estate license (mainly MLS access and the ability to make "investor-friendly" offers without annoying agents too much).Here's my question:If I do get my license, would I "need" to start working with a broker or company in order to gain access to the MLS?

I'm thinking about getting my real estate license in FL (we live in St.