Aus...
There are pluses and minuses of becoming an agent for investment purposes... There is a post just a couple of lines away that discuss in much more detail the pluses and minuses...
But to generalize, as an agent investor, you have to follow slightly different rules, like Disclosure and a couple of other things... These of course vary from state to state and country to country...
Yes you as a "new" agent have to be affiliated with a broker and hang your license under a broker for a time... Please check your State or Country's rules & Regs for how long... If you are in Florida, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to inform you a little more... Also, most brokers require that you as an agent belong to the Local Board of Realtors, and yes, everything has a cost...
The problem is that most people don't realize just how expensive and how much work it is to become and stay a Full Time Real Estate Professional... Also, most brokers may have a problem with you not working as an agent but working as an investor.. Of course that is dependent upon where you live, etc... I do know several brokers that make a very nice living by just "hanging" licenses for people that pay a Monthly fee... But that is an EXCEPTION and not a rule...
Good Luck and Good Education... IF you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us some more.. and welcome to the Forums..
Duane