To become a Real Estate Agent or NOT? That is the question

[Alice Goodson]

BP Community,

I am finding myself torn about whether or not to take the real estate exam and become a agent. I currently have 18 doors and once I become a agent in Alabama, all funds received from my rentals will have to flow through my broker for oversight. I will also be subject to all of the rules of disclosure that I am a real estate agent. The upside I was looking for is integration into the networking with the various agents, areas, GMs, construction teams, as well as gaining a better understanding of the environment -- Huntsville, Decature, Madison, Montgomery Alabama areas. Can someone help me with the pros and cons of becoming a agent as a landlord with a growing portfolio?

Txs

Alice G- 

[Greg Scott]

It sounds like you are already a successful investor and you've achieved a scale that most will never achieve.  You can network with agents, GMs, construction teams and understand markets without becoming an agent.  What upside does being an agent really offer?

You mentioned some of the downsides.  I'd add the time commitment and costs to that list. 

Also, you may be focused on SFRs today, but what if you pivot to apartments, retail, industrial, or some other form of real estate.  While I never downplay the benefit of general education, the tangible benefits would be negligible.