Hi Louise, I manage a small Brokerage that specializes in property managment and investor friendly agents.

-Owning a property management company-Owning a brokerage-Transitioning to commercial real estate-Having more fingers on the pulse of the real estate market-Having multiple income streams for business activitiesConsider that you are a successful REI and decide you want to own your own property management company and mitigate risk by managing internal and external properties...UH OH.

I took classes at Wake Tech Community College since they had several relating to RE investing vs. real  estate brokerage.

I would check out 100% brokerages in your area. 

@Daniel LaVergne I'm pretty sure you have to have a real estate brokerage license to manage properties for others in MN.  

In March of this year, I started my own Brokerage and am as busy as ever.

get a RE license first go to work for a training brokerage.. at least learn the lingo how to do contracts etc... then venture off into investing.. or you may just thrive as a RE salesmen.. stumbling around as a wholesaler may seem romantic etc but very tough in this market and because it cost virtually nothing to do it.. its over run with beginners. ( so get educated then see how it goes.)

The home next door sold last year for $386,000 but has an extra bedroom and 700 more SQ FT and better floor plan.Purchase price: 161,500Holding time: 6 monthsARV $300,000Holding costs: $2890 (Taxes: 1290, Utilities 1000, Insurance 600)Selling Fees: $21690 (Commission 15180, Closing Fees 5060, Brokerage fee 300, Warranty 500, Title insurance 150, Appraisal 500)Buying costs: $2800 (Brokerage fee 300, Inspection 400, Title search 300, title insurance 150, closing costs 1650)Financing costs (hard money interest only) 14000 Total costs: $41380Rehab estimate 53,000 ($20/SQ FT + HVAC replacement of $7000)House needs new flooring throughout some framing work to close in rooms, wall paper removal, new kitchen and bathroom cabinets and paint throughout.

A local brokerage may have some of those contacts they will be willing to share so try there! 

I contacted a local HUD-specialized brokerage with an unrelated question, and as soon as the person heard that we already have a house, he said we can't bid as OO.