Becoming a realtor in Florida, advice for newbie

[Account Closed]

Hi guys!

Just for background:

So I graduated about a year ago, (major in marketing) moved to Tampa in October 2016 and got my first duplex (not FHA like I wanted to do but I used a conv loan instead) the other unit is rented by BP guidelines (thanks BP!) I don't have a career I love and fulfills me like I hear a lot of people saying so after long and hard thinking I have decided to become a realtor. (I wanted to start doing wholesaling with a direct mail campaign but I decided not to get to ahead of myself and said let me start with a good foundation since I have no experience.) I am currently studying for the test online while still keeping my 9-5PM job.

So here are my questions:

After getting my license what steps should I take to set myself up for success? Or what should I be doing now while preparing to take the exam. I'm a very frugal and keep a tight budget, I will have an emergency fund of about 6 months of living expenses since I'm not sure how long it will take for me to start making money worse case scenario. 

I am all down to work hard, network, knock on doors, cold call, etc. 

• Should I go for a big brokerage firm like: Keller Williams, Remax, Century 21? or look for something smaller? Goal is to become a top producer, learn, help others, use skills to continue investing. 

or should I do a year of a mix salaried job and commission like I see on Indeed which requires a license for my first year:

Property management assistant, real estate firm assistant, researcher? (other suggestions?) 

Any tips would help, thanks! 

[John Thedford]

Get your license. I would go with an agency that offers good training. After that, you might want to consider moving to a flat fee brokerage. I have been licensed since 2004. I no longer chase buyers or sellers. Learn the ins and outs, and start investing. That is the best way to set yourself up for success. Having an income stream forever cannot be beat.