White Lake, MI · Member since 2017 · 82 posts · 57 votes
Hi All,
I live in Michigan and I was wondering if there is any benefit in getting a real estate license as an investor? Also, do I have to work full time at an agency to get and maintain a license?
Real Estate Agent · Fleetwood, NY · Member since 2018 · 264 posts · 235 votes
5y
@Nicholas Hamblen I agree with @Michael Noto - getting your license should be viewed as an investment that you're confident you can get a good return on. If you're going to hound the MLS for deals and use it to learn the market inside out, then get it. If you're buying / selling multiple properties a year and want to save on commission then get it. But if the goal is to just buy a standard rental once or twice a year, then it probably makes sense to just use an agent instead. Getting your license requires time & money, so just view it as an investment!
Real Estate Agent · Southington, CT · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
5y
@Nicholas Hamblen You do not have to work full time at an agency to get AMX maintain your real estate license.
There are definitely benefits to getting your real estate license as an investor. The main one being able to view properties on your schedule as opposed to having to coordinate everything with an agent.
The only reason to not get a license is if you feel the yearly costs associated with keeping it active outweigh the value you are getting from it.
Real Estate Agent · Fleetwood, NY · Member since 2018 · 264 posts · 235 votes
5y
@Nicholas Hamblen I agree with @Michael Noto - getting your license should be viewed as an investment that you're confident you can get a good return on. If you're going to hound the MLS for deals and use it to learn the market inside out, then get it. If you're buying / selling multiple properties a year and want to save on commission then get it. But if the goal is to just buy a standard rental once or twice a year, then it probably makes sense to just use an agent instead. Getting your license requires time & money, so just view it as an investment!
Property Manager · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
5y
It depends on your goals, but I do think it is a benefit and not a burden.
The downside (in addition to the time and money investment) is that you not only have to follow the law, like everyone does, but you also now have to follow the rules and regs of your local Board of Realtors. This isn't a big burden, and if you're acting ethically its not an issue, but there are some additional disclosures, etc. that need to be handled.
Upsides are ability to schedule showings, access to the MLS, saving on commissions, etc. Overall I think its a good idea.
Property Manager · Oklahoma City, OK · Member since 2019 · 577 posts · 351 votes
5y
Really the only downside is having to pay the bi-annual MLS dues (which are close to $1k annually in my state). Upside: you can represent yourself on the buying side and have the seller pay you a commission or leverage a better price in lieu of a commission. (Of course, you have to disclose you're an agent on the offer). You can set up your own showings in MLS and get first crack at all the new listings. And you can buy/sell homes for friends and family as a side hustle.
Real Estate Agent · Detroit, MI · Member since 2008 · 455 posts · 178 votes
5y
Hi @Nicholas Hamblen, I've been investing in Michigan for 18 years. I've been licensed for 11 of those years. I'm always happy to share my experiences. Please feel free to reach out!
Rental Property Investor · Springfield, MO · Member since 2020 · 120 posts · 96 votes
5y
@Nicholas Hamblen I think it is a great asset for your investing career. That’s why I got my license myself. There are ongoing costs though, about $1500 per year in my state, as well as the ethics and disclosure requirements. However, here are the pros I found that helps my investing:
1) Access to the MLS and first-rate market data
2) Being able to offer on properties myself
3) Being able to walkthrough properties myself
4) Easier negotiation, I don’t have to go through an agent first
5) Being able to represent clients as a side income
6) Being seen as reputable and knowledgeable in the field
7) Being able to pay myself a commission on properties I buy
You definitely do not have to be full-time in it. In fact, you can even thrive as a part-time agent. Just make sure to choose a brokerage that aligns with your goals. 
Realtor · Falls Church, VA · Member since 2019 · 23 posts · 16 votes
5y
@Nicholas Hamblen new investor here - I'm planning to get my license by the end of 2021 even though I'm stationed overseas until 2023. Besides having access to the MLS, I believe others seeing I have my license means I'm serious about real estate, which can help get me partners. Additionally, I may pursue a career as a agent/broker and the longer I have my license the better. Good luck! Cheers. r/Bryant
Cant see any benefit as to why any decent investor would waste his time and money on such things. You must disclose your an agent when buying or selling you have to conduct your business and personal life according to the people who run NAR and today I read they just came out and said they'll be watching your social media censoring you
Anybody can get access to the mls or the ability to view a house on the market . Nothing to get excited about ..Certainly no cause for a bunch of trainings and stuck with yearly license fees . If it’s on the market the deal already sucks so I’m failing to see the advantage. Any good deal where there’s meat on the bone is going to be done outside the mls to the sophisticated investor unless your lazy or brain dead and willing to pay retail pricing .
White Lake, MI · Member since 2017 · 82 posts · 57 votes
5y
Thank you so much everyone in taking the time to reply to my post. There was so much great advice. I want to start taking more action with real estate, time slips by so fast. So this year I decided I was going to try and network with others who are interested in real estate, try and go to some events and get back into researching areas that I want to invest in. I have always tried to create ways I can be of value, and I have been think getting my license could help learn that side of the business and possibly lead to other avenues/benefits like you all mentioned.