Does it make sense to get a realtor's licence?

[Shojin]

I've been toying with the idea of investing in real estate while keeping my full-time job. If it turns out well then the plan is to do it full time. I know the MLS is an invaluable tool - if you have access to it.

Does it make sense to get a realtor's licence for the sole purpose of getting MLS access? I have no desire to actually sell houses (despite the threads here that make it sound so lucrative). How hard are the OREA courses? Do I have to do all 3 Phases to get the licence? Is the course material valuable from an investors viewpoint (ie. learning about how the market works in general)?

Anyone out there been down this track?

[chococrazy]

I'm also wondering about this!

[st7860]

some realty firms will allow you to have a very low desk fee in exchange for a higher percentage of your comission when you do buy or sell something.

[grant]

Does it make sense to get a realtor's licence for the sole purpose of getting MLS access?

I don't think so, I asked this question before and was told there's something like $400/mo + in fixed costs just to maintain your active license. Unless you will trade a lot of properties (a few a year) I don't see how it's justified.