It makes little sense.

More restrictive rules on deposits, ESA's, and so many other things once you take on the license.

MLS access and direct negotiations.

For me... PRO- controlling my own commission; CON- being cut from a deal because I am the Buyer (some banks will not let an agent Buyer bid on their REOs), and the extra paperwork I now have to maintain to prove that I did not "take advantage" of a buyer/seller

Quicker access to property information if you affiliate with a broker and join the local board. The down side is you and your sponsoring broker now have a reputation to maintain!

CON - You can no longer ruff up consumers with real low ball offers! You;ll have your Broker of Record in hot water !

Mostly you will be able to save a little on commission, most of the MLS information is out on the internet if you know were to look. Real Estate Investors need to know the market but also need to understand building renovations, up keep, tenant relationships, contracting just to mention a few....

Access to MLS, not only for advance new listing notice but, for putting your own analysis together, based on sales, trends etc. 

In-depth understanding of forms would be another benefit that will serve you well with your own negotiations.

Realtor® member information is something that you can utilize - those connections are priceless. You're no longer an investor, you're a peer.

Study hard, take lots of practice tests. Do well on your state licensing exam.

Pros: What Debe Maxwell, CRS plus some savings on commission (which YOU earn as the selling agent).
Cons: Greater disclosure responsibility and scrutiny.
Added cost of maintaining your license, required CE education and professional memberships.

Lots of opinions on both pro and con. Take everything into consideration.

Not if you just intend on using your license for your investment business.  Too much to disclose and a lot of risk.  

Access to the MLS directly  and probably a Free Sale from time to time from the brokerage in some cases. A selling or buying side percentive,But the fees to stay in business may outway the reasoning.   Unles they are buying and selling a lot of homes it may not be worth their why. 

Having RE license you will have more responsibility.

What you can do without - nobody will punish you. :)

I represent several investors and they specifically don't want to have a license and want to keep an arms length away from the real estate brokerage laws. They let me do what I know and do best and they do what they do best.

There are quite a few reasons to do so - I did and I've never looked back!

Good luck

A perennial question

This will help you to know all the guidelines which you should be following as an Investor too.  Education always help. 

MLS access, direct negotiations, save on having to pay someone to find you a house or sell your homes.

I know many real estate agents who are investors and leverage all they can to secure financial advantage when buying/selling.  Like anything, it takes more than a piece of paper. It takes knowledge and skill combined with timing.

So are 90% of the investors who got a broker license as well to keep 100% of their commission.

25% of them get a general contractor class B license.

15% of them get a inspector and appraiser license.

Today those with most licenses are not renewing these costly renewals.... Some just keep their driver license. 

Wayne Martin nailed this one!

They could save on commissions.  But, they may lose on not getting professional assistance.

if the license is placed with a broker, the agent has the ability to cobroke if a commission is offered on an investment property that agent buys....

This is a very widely-held misconception i.e. having a license gives knowledge and experience. A piece of paper cannot do that....

It depends of you intend to swing for the fences or play investor T-ball.

If T-ball is your investor goal, get your real estate agent sales license.

An advantage to getting your real estate agent sales license is your name and contact will become available to every seller of shiny things. That could lead to training and education opportunities.

IF you have already defined your market and identified your access portal, you really don't need your license. Hire an agent to do the low level stuff for you. Like most investors, you come to realize new agents will work for FREE!

Having full access to the MLS can be very helpful.

The cons are bigger than the pros as it adds a whole new layer of legal worries. You will have disclosure laws and ethics to follow

Cutting your selling fees when selling the investment property and personal knowledge.

It would make better sense if you were already an active real estate investor. Since you say you want to BECOME a real estate investor, learn as much as you can about real estate investing...the sales pre-license course is more general so find a good mentor who is skilled in investing to help you.

None!

  Insider.

I originally got my license to purchase real estate for myself.  Then I decided to practice real estate full time.

Michael, this can be a very positive plus if you are a very seasoned investor and have made many transactions, but it could be a negative for someone not seasoned and lead to some very expensive on the job.  Good luck!

Personally I don't think there are advantages to it there are certainly additional requirements and disclosures you would need to make with every purchase or sale. Michael Campagnolo 

You would be better off hiring someone on your behalf.

none.  it will restrict you.

Depends.

Michael Campagnolo - maybe, one will save money on commission? 

I agree with Joe Pryor