So as agents get to a mature business level they are all independent contractors they work for themselves.. they are not mandated to do anything but follow contract law and ethics .. and they don't have to work with those they choose not to..  

The boilerplate legalese you see in contracts isn't because the actual terms can't fit on a single page, it's because "what happens if you disagree about stuff" is complicated and you want some protections.Plenty of attorney's will be happy to review your contract for a few bucks.

Couple hundred bucks and you are off to the races, can advertise houses, put signs up, newspaper ads, flyers etc. 

Carrying negative cash flow into a mature market or retirement or both is inviting bad things. 

First clue is if a new breaker costs 60 bucks or more. 

The closing costs were much lower (zero on one and only a few hundred bucks for an appraisal on the other) and I only have to pay interest when I actually use the money.So it just depends on how you intend to use them.

Taking pictures of REO properties, putting in listings for them  (and they pay you a few bucks), send out electronic signatures.

Like Stephanie Potter said it is the best bang for our buck. 

I would not steer you away from becoming a real estate agent , at least not at first , give yourself time to learn and mature, save your money.

I live and invest in NY currently and looking to expand my rental portfolio out of state as NY market is too competitive and mature.