As an investor you can flip, wholesale, and buy creatively. As a realtor you can do the very same things. But at some point in the negotiations, you must simply disclose that you are realtor. No big deal.

Investors are governed by the state, federal, and local laws. Realtors are governed by the board of Realtors. However, if a questionable situation arises and the investor is hauled into court, and this can happen irregardless if the investor is guilty or not, the investor answers to the state attorney generals office.

Well the same is typically true with Realtors, if they are found guilty they answer to the board of realtors, whose lawyer is the attorney general, and their office as well. So basically investors and Realtors answer to the lawyer.  Like Bob Dylan says “ya gonna have to serve somebody.” Be it the law, your customer, motivated seller, or board of Realtors, you have to answer to someone.

Fees: a realtor has fees that total in a given year to about $1000-$1500. Give or take a few dollars.

Access: a realtor has multiple listing service access (MLS). The MLS access allows the realtor to access all houses for sale, to run accurate property comparables, as well as list and sell houses for profit.

The investor on the other hand must become a Realtors assistant or have a friend give them MLS access, and they are dependent upon the whim of this individual. Many Realtors go out of business, some have discrepancies with the investor, so the vital MLS access needed for the investor is in a constant state of flux and at risk of being denied, nine times out of ten.

The realtor has access to any house listed on the MLS. They have the lock box codes, or supra key, and can walk in, analyze the rehab costs and walk out at their leisure. Now they can make make an offer to buy the house and get paid their commission to boot. Investors on the other hand cannot enter property on their own accord, they must be accompanied by a realtor, when they can come together on their schedules.

Investors worry about being governed by the board of Realtors and they shouldn’t. This board is really to keep Realtors, investors, and brokers on the up and up and easy to contact in the event there are issues. Its a check and balance system for the public to keep realtors, brokers and investors honest. Now maybe you can begin to consider some of the pro’s and con’s of becoming a realtor or stay an investor. I have seen both very successful with, and without the Realtors license.

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