Hi, I am thinking about getting my Real Estate License to be more knowledgeable in investing and gain access to the MLS. But, don't plan on practicing right away. Can I take all the classes but then wait to take the test? Is so, how long before my education expires? As someone who would need the license just for personal investing, worried about having to pay high brokerage fees before our business is up and running. Would really love some feedback from all you experts out there. New to BP and loving it! Thanks!

Welcome to BP Kristie! I think each state may be different on the timing of your classroom education and then taking the test. Having a license would give you access to the MLS, but I don't think they teach much, if anything, about investing. You should weigh the costs of the license and the need you have for it.

You can take the required course and then take the test to get your license.  You can leave it inactive until you join a brokerage. The renewal fees for the license itself are peanuts.

@Wayne Brooks

Thanks! I was wondering about inactive status but did not know if you could access mls as inactive or how long you can leave it in this status. I basically want the knowledge about the industry and contracts plus the mls to start with....

 No, you couldn’t access the mls with it...for that it had to be active with a broker and the join the board. 

States vary, but here you could keep it inactive Indefinitely, but would hsvr to the CE to renew as necessary.