I can see the reasons why to "collect agents" for monthly cash flow, but not sure of the liabilities (risk vs. reward) in having 30-50 agents at a minimal monthly fee plus transaction fee?

Well said. I have one broker associate under me. He's fairly independant, but I have had to help him out some. Really the only reason I have one broker asssociate is so he can cover for me if I go on vacation. I wouldn't want the responsibility of having 30-50 agents under me. Someone is bound to do something stupid at some point that's going to make all that money not worth it. Plus just the day to day management and headaches from the pettiness of your average agent.

I have a certain number of agents at my brokerage but will probably not go any higher.

You either get a knowledgable agent who needs an occasional question answered or brand new agents to 1 to 2 years that need a lot of work.

Most in the middle where they have started a few transactions and are just getting going do not want to leave.

Eventually I might branch off that part of the business and have a type A broker run it for me day to day.

don't do it... unless you can find 30-50 perfect agents.

My broker has 1000+ agents under him but the average monthly closing are around 150 transaction. That shows you how many are actually working.

I think he hires anyone. He charges around 450+199 doc fee= $80,000+ a month.
There must be way to mitigate the risk.?