I've been using Redfin and county tax records whenever I look for the ARV (and comps) of a property.

What exactly am I missing by not having MLS access?

I thought about going after a real estate sales license, but I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the time and money if all I'm looking to do now is invest.

I use Icomps and then i verify the recently sold properties on the assessor's site to verify everything.......so far everything has matched up......

From my understanding by not using MLS your information is not most up to date. You also potentially miss accurate days on market.

Any added sf with permits are not there.