Thinking about becoming a real estate agent to save money

[Alex Silang]

I'm thinking about becoming a real estate agent. I'm a landlord. It's $500-700 upfront, and I'll easily make that back in my first deal.

My question is: I don't feel comfortable buying on my own. My current agent is very experienced, has lived in the city I'm investing in. I, and manages properties on the other hand, do not know the neighborhoods and am a passive landlord. I was thinking of getting into rehabbing properties too, if so his involvement would be critical.

I was thinking some sort of arrangement could be made? Maybe ask for discount on commission fee or even hiring him on as a consultant at an hourly rate?

What do you think?

[Russell Brazil]

It costs me about $5k per year just to maintain a license. Licensing fees, mls, board, e&o insurance, general liability insurance, increased auto insurance, ce credits, electronic lockbox access etc.