Looking to Join an Investor Friendly Brokerage (Investor-Agent/Wholesaler)

[Livia Adams]

Hey Everyone,

I’m currently exploring options to switch brokerages and would love your input or recommendations.

I’m a licensed agent who works part-time not focused on traditional residential listings, but deeply active in investing, wholesaling, and commercial deals. I often come across leads (residential and commercial) through my investment activities, and I’d like to hang my license with a brokerage that understands and supports investor-agents.

Investor-friendly structure: I wholesale and do my own deals, so I need flexibility and a brokerage that’s comfortable with that

Low-pressure / part-time model as I’m not looking to hit quotas

Ability to list/represent commercial deals (hotels, multifamily, land, etc.)

Referral-friendly: I receive and pass along a good number of leads (both on-market and off-market)

If you’re with a brokerage you love that supports investor-agents, or if you’re a broker yourself who’s open to a conversation, I’d love to connect.

Thanks in advance!

[Dylan Robinson]

That's a very specific and smart set of criteria. Your needs are different from a traditional full-time agent, so finding the right brokerage that supports an "investor-agent" model is key. Many traditional brokerages focus on listing and selling volume, which might not align with your activities.

The ideal brokerage for someone like you often falls into one of two categories:

1. The Low-Cost/Flat-Fee Brokerage

These are often a great fit for agents who primarily do their own deals and referrals. They offer a simple, transparent fee structure that lets you keep most of your commission, rather than a high percentage split.

• Structure: You usually pay a low monthly fee (or even a small annual fee) and then a flat transaction fee when a deal closes. You might also have to pay a separate fee for E&O insurance.
• Pros: You keep a much higher percentage of your commission, which is perfect for your high-value commercial and wholesale deals. The low monthly cost makes it a great part-time model. They are generally hands-off, which gives you the flexibility you need.
• Cons: These brokerages often have minimal in-person office support or training. If you need a lot of hand-holding on deals or access to a physical space, this might not be the best option. They typically have a referral-based support model, which works well for you.

2. The Cloud-Based/National Brokerage

These brokerages have gained immense popularity for their flexibility and technology. They are built to support agents who work remotely and across different specialties.

• Structure: They often have a cap system, where you pay a percentage of your commission until you hit a certain cap for the year, after which you earn 100%. They also have monthly fees to cover technology and support.
• Pros: They are designed for remote work and a low-pressure environment. Many have strong internal networks where you can easily find other investor-friendly agents and commercial specialists. They also provide robust tools, training, and support through their online platforms, which is great for staying sharp without a physical office.
• Cons: The annual cap might not make sense if you're only closing a few small deals a year, though it can be highly profitable on a large commercial transaction.

My Advice for Your Search

Based on your needs, a simple, low-cost model sounds like the perfect fit. You're not looking for a traditional sales environment, but rather a place to hang your license legally and professionally. The key is to find a broker who is personally knowledgeable and comfortable with wholesaling and commercial deals. They need to understand the nuances of a double close or an assignment, and not be intimidated by it.

When you interview a potential brokerage, be upfront about your business model. Here are some key questions to ask:

• "How does the brokerage handle wholesale transactions, assignments, and double closes?"
• "What is the fee structure for commercial deals versus residential ones?"
• "Are there any quotas or minimums for transactions or sales volume?"
• "What's your policy on agent-owned deals, where I represent myself as the principal?"

By being specific, you'll quickly find out which brokers are a good fit for your unique business. Good luck with the search!