Do you think getting your real estate license is an advantage for REI?

Question

I have been really curious about this topic lately. How many of you are real estate agents who also invest? I would love to hear how you got started. Which came first investing or your license? Do you find it an advantage that's worth the time and effort? I have a passion for learning new trades/skills. I have been a certified auto mechanic at a dealership for 16 years. As I get older I am considering crossing over to become a real estate agent. I currently have one rental in operation and I am in the market for my second. I have been relatively successful finding off market/ pre market deals on my own. I could certainly see it being a career I would enjoy. I would like to hear your experience.

Bianca Barcelos · Answer

Hello there! I had thought about this a lot actually... I started as an investor first before getting my license. My primary motivation has always been time and financial freedom, so while the 'end game' for me is a portfolio of "passive" income, I realized that working in the industry was the best way to bridge that gap.

I find being an agent is a massive advantage—not just for the MLS access, but for the depth of market knowledge I can gain. I’m currently invested in the Manchester/Hooksett, NH area, and having my license and an investor background in the area allows me to be a true resource for others.

For me, the 'worth' of the license comes down to your goals. It's a good fit for me because I want to educate new investors and grow portfolios alongside my clients. It allows me to earn a living with a flexible lifestyle while I continue to build my own portfolio. The sales side is the 'means,' but the investment side is the '(end) goal'.

Never stop learning! I'd love to invite any of you to connect here on BP and to give my social media pages a follow.  I'm always using recommendations from clients and professional connections, like you, to drive my posts and educational topics.

Jules Aton · Answer

If someone is considering changing to RE as their career and don’t already have a decent inventory or significant cash flow from another source I do think becoming licensed is helpful mostly for the contacts but also sheer number of deals you will have exposure to review.

Garrett Crosby · Answer

This is actually my exact situation and exactly why I got my license — after years of investing and realizing that most agents couldn't actually serve investors well. The skill sets are genuinely different. An investor needs someone who can read a deal, not just close one.

For me the license made sense because I wanted to serve both investors and standard buyers/sellers — and I had a background as an educator for 20+ years, so the consultative side was a natural fit. The MLS access and commission savings are real benefits, but they're not the main thing. The main thing is you deeply understand the transaction on both sides.

Alfath makes a fair counterpoint — if your goal is purely to save commission, a good agent who really knows investment deals will pay for themselves multiple times over. But if you genuinely want a second career and you have the people skills, your auto mechanic background is actually a hidden asset. You understand how things work mechanically, you can spot deferred maintenance others miss, and you know how to build trust with people. That's rare. Feel free to DM if you want to talk through the transition.

JD Martin · Answer

I have a brokerage license, but I got it long after I bought most of my properties. It's not necessary and in some ways just a distraction. Even with my broker's license I still have a friend of mine that I work with looking at and buying properties. It takes some workload off of me and it provides another perspective on purchases. In this business you have to be careful to not get so close to things that you can't see reality. Working with a relatively disinterested third party can help you keep your wits.

Alfath Ahmed · Answer

I do not think it is beneficial to get your real estate license if your goal is not sell properties to other homeowners or investors.

I currently own 28 rental units and have sold over 225+ investment properties to OOS investors in my market. I actively look at over 100+ deals everyday and source the best ones for my clients.

If you are an investor and looking to get your license solely to save on commission, you are going to end up paying more. A good agent is worth his weight in millions. They will bring you off-market deals, connect you with their team, and negotiate on your behalf. You get to use your brain and theirs.

If you want to sell and have a passion, then only get your license.

Do you think getting your real estate license is an advantage for REI?

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