RE Agent or RE Investor... which way should I go?

Question

Hi Guys,

Not sure if I am posting this in the right place but here it goes...

I currently have a full time job but I really want to get into Real Estate Investing. I am considering becoming a part-time RE agent first so that I can gain knowledge, experience and build up cash reserves (eventually want to quit my job). However, I am also considering just focusing all my effort into RE investing (flipping first, then buy and hold later) and not worrying about becoming an agent (or maybe consider it later). What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

-Robert (Murrieta, CA)

Robert Crull · Answer

This is great feedback guys. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. :)

JD Martin · Answer

You should become a part time agent. That's a job, but it will let you keep your current income, expand your knowledge, and (hopefully) earn some additional income. If you don't have a bundle of cash lying around, having a strong W2 can be the difference between buying and not buying property.

Thomas S. · Answer

Do you want to change careers or do you want to invest. I think you should stay with what you are doing, assuming you are earning max income, until you have a better idea of what you really want.

Being a agent has nothing to do with investing. Yes some investors are agents but most of us hire them when we need one. If you are flipping having a licence could reduce your expenses but being a agent also costs money. Better to simply build the real estate fees into the flip expenses.