Seeking Stable Income While Becoming an Agent and Growing My Portfolio

Phoenix, Arizona
Real Estate Agent
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Seeking Stable Income While Becoming an Agent and Growing My Portfolio

Robert OrtizPro Member
New to Real Estate · San Jose, CA · Member since 2021 · 16 posts · 10 votes

Hi everyone,

I was recently laid off and am using this transition to become more intentional about my next career move. I already have experience owning and managing rental property, and I’m planning to obtain my Arizona real estate salesperson license.

My long-term goal is to continue acquiring investment properties while developing practical experience as an agent. In the short term, however, I would also like income stability while I build my agent career.

I’ve been considering positions such as:

  • Brokerage operations or agent services
  • Transaction coordination
  • Escrow or title assistant
  • Mortgage or loan-processing operations
  • Property management
  • Real-estate project or renovation coordination

Brokerage operations seems like the most direct way to learn the agent side of the business, assuming the company would allow me to affiliate my license and conduct transactions outside my regular duties. Escrow/title also interests me because I would learn the closing process, title issues, and common problems that affect transactions. Mortgage operations could help me understand financing, while property management would provide experience that directly applies to my rentals.

For those who have followed a similar path:

  1. Which type of job provided the most useful experience for becoming a successful agent and investor?
  2. Would you choose brokerage operations, escrow/title, mortgage operations, or something else?
  3. Have you encountered employers that prohibited outside agent activity or required your license to be affiliated with their brokerage?
  4. Is it realistic to work a full-time W-2 job while building an agent career, or would a flexible part-time position be more practical?
  5. Are there particular job titles or types of companies in Arizona that I should target? I'm planning on moving either in or near Goodyear area but don't mind commuting into Phoenix or other cities. 

I realize one position probably won’t accomplish everything. I’m trying to choose the option that offers stable income, useful industry exposure, and enough flexibility to build toward my longer-term goals.

I would appreciate hearing what worked—or didn’t work—for anyone who has balanced employment, agent activity, and rental investing.

Thanks!

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Candice CoatesPro Member
New to Real Estate · DMV · Member since 2022 · 53 posts · 45 votes
1mo

These are great avenues to consider. Your hands-on experience managing your own investments is a real advantage. It gives you a practical understanding most new agents don't start with. On my end, I spent time in operations for a brokerage, and I can tell you the networking possibilities are endless. Depending on your connections, you can learn a lot from more experienced agents by observing the habits and systems they rely on. Passing the exam is really just the starting point; the bigger question is what you build around it to set yourself up for success.

There are also costs that come with becoming an agent, so it's smart to keep a steady income while you find your footing in the industry. A flexible part-time role might be the most practical path. It protects your time so you can still nurture your real estate business on the side. Ultimately, it comes down to how well you can balance working a full day and then putting in another two to four hours to fuel your real estate goals, and of course, your own financial obligations.

You clearly have the foundation and the drive. It's really about pacing it in a way that's sustainable for you.

[email protected]301-381-1045
BiggerPockets
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  • Patrick O'SullivanBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 531 posts · 203 votes
    1mo

    TC or property management both make sense here. TC puts you inside contracts, inspections, title, and closings. Property management teaches you the operational side of a rental portfolio, which is the more direct fit if that's the end goal. A W-2 job can still work, just confirm the outside agent activity policy first. Income, flexibility, and what you learn matter more than the job title right now.

    [email protected]480-795-7938
    get MULTIfamily Property Management4.7220 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1mo

    If you can get work at a company whose primary business is PM, and they have separate division for sales, or only handle sales/purchases for clients/friends/family that would be ideal. A salaried primary job with the ability to work sales as occasional secondary opportunities gets you the best of both worlds. Sales alone can be real roller-coaster, income wise. Plus, if you go hands on with the PM side, you will get a real education. Learning/developing systems for each major process of PM is critical to success. Ignore all the gurus and posers that imply there is no work involved, and you can just fake it till you make it. They either have simply not been schooled yet, or they have deep enough pockets it does not matter to them. Or they have no conscience.

    OTOH, working for a company that focuses on sales, and only handles a few rentals for clients, will rarely perform PM well. They are usually the ones you read complaints about on the forums. They take shortcuts, and have few, or poor, systems in place, and usually a predatory management contract.

    0Reply
  • Candice CoatesPro Member
    New to Real Estate · DMV · Member since 2022 · 53 posts · 45 votes
    1mo

    These are great avenues to consider. Your hands-on experience managing your own investments is a real advantage. It gives you a practical understanding most new agents don't start with. On my end, I spent time in operations for a brokerage, and I can tell you the networking possibilities are endless. Depending on your connections, you can learn a lot from more experienced agents by observing the habits and systems they rely on. Passing the exam is really just the starting point; the bigger question is what you build around it to set yourself up for success.

    There are also costs that come with becoming an agent, so it's smart to keep a steady income while you find your footing in the industry. A flexible part-time role might be the most practical path. It protects your time so you can still nurture your real estate business on the side. Ultimately, it comes down to how well you can balance working a full day and then putting in another two to four hours to fuel your real estate goals, and of course, your own financial obligations.

    You clearly have the foundation and the drive. It's really about pacing it in a way that's sustainable for you.

    [email protected]301-381-1045
    BiggerPockets
    2Reply
  • Gerardo HernandezBusiness Member
    Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2019 · 42 posts · 8 votes
    1mo

    I say become your won client. Thats what I did a few years back and have never looked back. I am an agent in AZ and teach other agents how to do the same. I flip homes full time now and it's great because when we find an amazing deal I just keep it as a rental instead of flipping. Feel free to shoot me a message if you wan to learn more .

    0Reply
  • Janelle GinyardPro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Orlando, FL · Member since 2023 · 17 posts · 13 votes
    1mo

    You're going about this in a very calculated way, which I love! My vote is brokerage operations. When I first got licensed, I started in new construction and then took the leap into traditional real estate as an assistant and transaction coordinator for a top producing team. That's where I got the most hands on experience.

    The idea of working part time while maintaining a full time W2 is definitely possible. If you go this route, I'd recommend looking for a team or brokerage that can support you with training, transaction coordination, and even leads. Your commission split may be higher at first, but you'll get the experience you need to start building your business with that support behind you (which is priceless, in my opinion.)

    Overall, I think you have the right idea of prioritizing stable income while you start building your career as an agent. I'm happy to chat more as you navigate the transition, so feel free to reach out anytime. Best of luck to you!

    [email protected]
    BiggerPockets
    0Reply
  • Ken M.
    Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Robert Ortiz:

    Hi everyone,

    I was recently laid off and am using this transition to become more intentional about my next career move. I already have experience owning and managing rental property, and I’m planning to obtain my Arizona real estate salesperson license.

    My long-term goal is to continue acquiring investment properties while developing practical experience as an agent. In the short term, however, I would also like income stability while I build my agent career.

    I’ve been considering positions such as:

    • Brokerage operations or agent services
    • Transaction coordination
    • Escrow or title assistant
    • Mortgage or loan-processing operations
    • Property management
    • Real-estate project or renovation coordination

    Brokerage operations seems like the most direct way to learn the agent side of the business, assuming the company would allow me to affiliate my license and conduct transactions outside my regular duties. Escrow/title also interests me because I would learn the closing process, title issues, and common problems that affect transactions. Mortgage operations could help me understand financing, while property management would provide experience that directly applies to my rentals.

    For those who have followed a similar path:

    1. Which type of job provided the most useful experience for becoming a successful agent and investor?
    2. Would you choose brokerage operations, escrow/title, mortgage operations, or something else?
    3. Have you encountered employers that prohibited outside agent activity or required your license to be affiliated with their brokerage?
    4. Is it realistic to work a full-time W-2 job while building an agent career, or would a flexible part-time position be more practical?
    5. Are there particular job titles or types of companies in Arizona that I should target? I'm planning on moving either in or near Goodyear area but don't mind commuting into Phoenix or other cities. 

    I realize one position probably won’t accomplish everything. I’m trying to choose the option that offers stable income, useful industry exposure, and enough flexibility to build toward my longer-term goals.

    I would appreciate hearing what worked—or didn’t work—for anyone who has balanced employment, agent activity, and rental investing.

    Thanks!

    I was a mortgage broker which was 100% commission. No W2. So, I didn't qualify for typical financing and I was serious about buying properties for investing. I focused on distressed properties and set up my entire persona to address foreclosures and probates. It's paid off handsomely and it's a real bonus if you have money to work with (I didn't at the time) but it isn't necessary to be "bank qualified".

    0Reply
  • Michael K GallagherBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus OH · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1mo

    the getting licensed and finding a salaried or steady paycheck in the REI world is a solid move. I'd generally follow what interests you for that. if there's a specific asset class or property manager you respect or like in town try and go for that just to keep yourself interested in the day to day.

    But if the goal is to ultimately build the agent business the main objective should be making sure you hit any lead measures you set for yourself along side your "day job".  Can totally be done, but needs intentionality to get there, at least in my observation.  

    [email protected]614-362-2231
    1Reply
  • Abel CurielBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Queens, NY · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1mo

    Hello @Robert Ortiz,

    Agreed with @Candice Coates, your experience will be a huge asset in your next role. 

    1. 1. Which type of job provided the most useful experience for becoming a successful agent and investor?
      Any job that will hopefully give you the $ you need to live and invest in your business. A bonus would be a job that gives you some time flexibility.
      My job before going into Real Estate full-time had NOTHING to do with Real Estate, BUT it put me in front of coworkers who knew me, trusted me, and earned a high income. This was helpful because I gained experience helping co-workers buy and sell.
    2. 2. Would you choose brokerage operations, escrow/title, mortgage operations, or something else?
      I'd look at anything that can offer a reasonable income and time flexibility.
      I am not a big fan of operations in mortgage or RE brokerages... title/escrow either... while these positions are practical and can give you 'hands on' knowledge for your investments and agent work, they are primarily 9-5 positions and are oftentimes in-office positions. 
      Not the worst setup but also not as good as a remote position or other position where you can use some of your business-hour availability to work on your Agent business.
      Aside from the potential scheduling issue, the work itself doesn't help a ton with your RE business... paperwork is essential but it is NOT income-producing activity for an agent. After a few weeks or so, you'll probably learn most of what you need to know about operations... then... once you're an agent, you'll realize you don't want to do operations at all because your money is made generating and converting leads/clients.
      A "pro" to these kind of jobs is that you'll be able to learn enough to set up systems for your future admin/operations manager for your agent business.
    3. 3. Have you encountered employers that prohibited outside agent activity or required your license to be affiliated with their brokerage?
      I have not encountered this, but I wouldn't be surprised if an employer made this a requirement for licensed applicants.
    4. 4. Is it realistic to work a full-time W-2 job while building an agent career, or would a flexible part-time position be more practical?
      Yes, it is realistic to work full time while building an agent career. 
      A part-time position COULD be more practical, but I've seen people accomplish more with 2 hours of dedicated "real estate" work than others who have an entire day to work on their real estate business. Its all about the quality of time invested so you can make it work with a full-time or part-time gig.
    5. 5. Are there particular job titles or types of companies in Arizona that I should target? I'm planning on moving either in or near Goodyear area but don't mind commuting into Phoenix or other cities.
      Keep networking here on BP!.. go to local meetups, find local members to chat with/grab coffee and get your name out there.
    6. All the best!
    7. Abel
    REbuild Team - eXp Realty5234 Reviews
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  • John Leland
    Specialist · I give advice - [email protected] - I focus on states where investing is profitable, reasonably safe & secure · Member since 2026 · 57 posts · 12 votes
    5d
    Quote from @Robert Ortiz:

    Hi everyone,

    I was recently laid off and am using this transition to become more intentional about my next career move. I already have experience owning and managing rental property, and I’m planning to obtain my Arizona real estate salesperson license.

    My long-term goal is to continue acquiring investment properties while developing practical experience as an agent. In the short term, however, I would also like income stability while I build my agent career.

    I’ve been considering positions such as:

    • Brokerage operations or agent services
    • Transaction coordination
    • Escrow or title assistant
    • Mortgage or loan-processing operations
    • Property management
    • Real-estate project or renovation coordination

    Brokerage operations seems like the most direct way to learn the agent side of the business, assuming the company would allow me to affiliate my license and conduct transactions outside my regular duties. Escrow/title also interests me because I would learn the closing process, title issues, and common problems that affect transactions. Mortgage operations could help me understand financing, while property management would provide experience that directly applies to my rentals.

    For those who have followed a similar path:

    1. Which type of job provided the most useful experience for becoming a successful agent and investor?
    2. Would you choose brokerage operations, escrow/title, mortgage operations, or something else?
    3. Have you encountered employers that prohibited outside agent activity or required your license to be affiliated with their brokerage?
    4. Is it realistic to work a full-time W-2 job while building an agent career, or would a flexible part-time position be more practical?
    5. Are there particular job titles or types of companies in Arizona that I should target? I'm planning on moving either in or near Goodyear area but don't mind commuting into Phoenix or other cities. 

    I realize one position probably won’t accomplish everything. I’m trying to choose the option that offers stable income, useful industry exposure, and enough flexibility to build toward my longer-term goals.

    I would appreciate hearing what worked—or didn’t work—for anyone who has balanced employment, agent activity, and rental investing.

    Thanks!

    National Association of Realtors convinced me long ago not to become a real estate agent. Statistically they say 80% of agents don't make it. I think the reason why is that a real estate agents job is sales and they don't teach you sales. But, being an independent investor leaves room for investing, sales, golfing, sailing and playing horsehoes if you care to. There is a much easier path to success than to pretend to sell houses.

    0Reply
  • Kevin George
    Real Estate Agent · Novi, MI · Member since 2016 · 14 posts · 3 votes
    1d

    If the goal is learning the business fast, transaction coordinator beats the others, it's not close honestly. You're touching every single file from contract to close, you see the mistakes before they become problems, and you learn the actual paperwork and timeline cold. That stuff takes most new agents a year of trial and error to figure out and you'd get it in a few months just by doing the job.

    Brokerage ops is fine too but it's more admin/recruiting, less about the transaction itself. Escrow teaches you title stuff but you miss a lot of the client side.

    One thing to nail down before you take anything, ask flat out if the brokerage is cool with you working deals on the side or if there's a wait period. Some places don't care, some have rules about it, better to know going in than find out 3 months in.

    Lmk if you want me to go deeper on any of this, happy to.

    0Reply
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