When investors loop a broker in early, they can usually get:• A no-cost opinion on whether the deal is actually lendable• DSCR and Non QM pre-analysis using real underwriting criteria• Feedback on whether the numbers support all cash, leveraged, or walk away• Updated rate scenarios and leverage options based on real-time pricing• Risk red flags that free tools do not highlight• Confirmation of what lenders will and will not count as qualifying income or rent• Guidance on capital structure for BRRRR, flips, or long-term holdsIt is similar to working with a financial advisor because the tools matter, but having someone who knows how to interpret the data matters more.

They use up the property’s most valuable time on market while it’s new.

@Mitch Messer thank you for your guidance.

Mainly looking for guidance on finding the right brokerage in the greater  Portland Maine area. 

Hey BP Community,I’m gearing up for my first flip in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, and I’d love some guidance from investors who have been active in this market.

Any advice, step-by-step guidance, or resources would be greatly appreciated.

Nothing wrong with that.But with the way things are going, tighter rules, more disclosure requirements, and a shrinking “grey area”, getting licensed might be one of the smartest, most underrated moves for someone who wants to invest long-term.Not required.Not mandatory.Just smarter than people think.The regulatory climate is shifting.States like Pennsylvania and Oklahoma have recently added rules around wholesaling — clearer disclosures, limits on marketing, registration requirements, and tighter definitions of what counts as “broker activity.”Wholesaling isn’t dead.It’s just becoming more structured.And the more the rules tighten, the more valuable it is to operate on the right side of the line.Here’s the part nobody talks about: people with wholesaling skills make exceptional investment-focused agents.If you already know how to:find off-market dealsmarket for sellersevaluate opportunitieshold tough conversationssolve problemsnegotiate creativelyunderstand investor math…you’re already ahead of 90% of licensed agents.Most agents never learn any of that.When you combine those skills with a license, you don’t just “become an agent.”You become the kind of agent investors want to work with.That’s a completely different lane.And modern brokerages make it even more attractive.Some brokerages now offer:revenue sharestock rewardsinvestor-centric trainingnational deal networksThat wasn’t the case ten years ago.Today, those models give investor-minded agents long-term upside that goes beyond commissions.You don’t have to get dragged into retail work.Being licensed doesn’t mean running open houses or driving buyers around every weekend.You can stay laser-focused on investment activity and use your marketing skills intentionally.And the learning curve shrinks dramatically.Licensed or not, everyone eventually learns how deals actually get done.But licensed investors learn:fastercloser to the actionwithout the guessworkand inside a compliant frameworkProximity shortens the path.And proximity is exactly what a license gives you.I’m not saying everyone should get licensed.But for people who already understand how to find deals and talk to sellers, it might be one of the most overlooked ways to thrive — especially with the market shifting the way it is.Curious what others think:Did getting licensed help you move faster, or do you feel like staying unlicensed gave you more flexibility?

Plenty of investors use a mix of education, networking, and a strong agent partnership because each one brings something different to the table.For someone buying their first place with plans to convert it to a rental later, having guidance on property type and future rental eligibility can make a big difference.

(Meetups, local market insights, deal analysis, accountability, etc.)Would love to hear what’s been most valuable for you.

The good thing is that you are getting real experience, which is more valuable than any book or video.