I'm not sure if my license has improved my REI but: *found my own deal, direct assess to mkt *saved only my cut in commission and did all the work ;) *met exponentially new contacts (good/bad) The bad: * need to be realtor (distract from my original goal as investor (good/bad) * disclosure and regulations (good/bad) 2.

I don't mean to cast all agents in a negative light (because that would be a gross misconception) - but I bring this up because I've worked with a few who have had a tendency to sugarcoat the facts, distract from the real areas of concern, and are constantly pushing me into a buying now decision (rather than being patient and looking for the right deal).

It would be fun to list them here and comment on each one, but unproductive.I largely changed my marketing model about twenty years ago based, in part, on the distraction caused by an emotional caller reacting to my letter and channeling their life problems in my direction at all hours.

Kamal Farhat , I agree tools are important but when just starting out they can be more a distraction than anything else.

Thanks so much all for the great advice....lessons learned....don't necessarily rely on agents to watch out for your own interests....finding a good agent is a process....don't get distracted by everyday stuff in real estate.....and it's good to come on here and get objective advice about situations!

Instead, I use it as a distraction in order to prevent myself from messing around with my "real" portfolio.

Christy - Since you are so new and probably energetic, enthusiastic and maybe easily distracted by all the new possibilities, I offer several thing to consider:You can operate both as an investor and as a licensed agent (working for a broker) however you must remember which hat you're wearing at all times.

If you are actively acquiring properties building a rental portfolio, you may want to focus on whatever it is you do best, and having one more vacancy might be a distraction.

Podcasts are a great distraction :PI'd love to meet up once I'm down by the beach!

Sorry Josh, we got a little distracted with our silliness!