Do I have to have a real estate license in Louisiana to buy and sell houses and own apartments, rental homes, and self-storage units?

@Damon Armstrong nope! It's totally optional. There are some pretty significant advantages, but it's not a requirement.

will do before my next post, thanks. @Robert Leonard

@Damon Armstrong it's been debated, blogged, chronicled, etc. extensively here on BP. Use the search feature (upper right hand side of any page of this site) to help avoid duplicated Q & A in multiple threads.

@Robert Leonard advantages of having a Re license ?

@Bill Gulley so basically when it balls down to it, I need a local RE attorney to answer my questions as to how I can legally buy and sell with no RE license. Once I figure out which activities I can do and how, I'll research my business license requirements for those activities or just ask my RE attorney that too. Do you know if any of these licenses will require college coursework ?

@Damon Armstrong it depends on how you buy and sell. It's best to look to the RE laws pertaining to licensing and see what activities requires a license, if you don't hold a license don't do those activities. It's rather natural when someone reads law that they try to twist or scheme their way through the literal written word to avoid legal issues, laws can be broadly interpreted in your area. If there appears to be some area that is questionable you're better off asking a RE attorney a quick question than taking advice off the internet. There is a saying in RE, "All RE is local" that refers to local practice and customs. Holding title in the areas you mentioned will not require a license as an agent. You may have business license requirements, check with the city and Parish. :)

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