Do you really need a real estate license to succeed as a fix & flipper?

Question

I see this question come up a lot among new flippers:

Some people swear by getting a real estate license, saying it gives you access to off-market deals, MLS access, and credibility with sellers. Others argue it’s a complete waste of time and money, especially if your goal is to flip properties fast using private or hard money.

From my experience (and from talking to other investors), there are pros and cons to both approaches:

Pros of having a license:

Access to MLS and off-market listings.

Can save on commission costs when buying and selling.

Potential credibility boost with agents, lenders, and sellers.

Cons of having a license:

Time and cost to get licensed and maintain it.

Paperwork, continuing education, and compliance responsibilities.

Many flippers find they can build strong networks without a license, using wholesalers, hard money lenders, and private connections.

Here’s the big question for the community:

“Would you get a real estate license if your goal is strictly to flip houses? Or do you think it’s unnecessary overhead for most investors?”

I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially from people who’ve flipped 5, 10, or 50+ houses. What worked for you? Did the license help or was it just extra work?

Ezekiel Trevino · Answer

It depends on the person. Some investors are successful without a real estate license. You can also build credibility with agents,lenders, and sellers simply by just talking with them and do business with them. You could talk to an agent and ask for off market or active listings. That is one way to network and build a relationships with Realtors. Although there are some agents who don't answer your calls or emails.

It dose take time and money to get a real estate license, however the same can be said when looking for a potential property to fix and flip. Granted that their different. Taking courses, studying for tests, take the test, finding a sponsoring broker, becoming a NAR member. (real estate license). V.S. looking at properites, crunching numbers, funding, the time it will take to remodel the property, and listing the property (fix and flip). You are correct, there is paperwork, CEs, and compliance responsibilities when having a real estate license. Investors who fix and flip also have paperwork and compliance responsibilities.

Investors should find out what works for them.