Local real estate licensing school

Career changers, new graduates and part-time agents who need the required course hours to apply for a license. Some brokerages also pay for their new recruits.

Tuition per course or package, with extras such as exam prep, post-licensing courses and continuing education for existing agents where your state allows it.

• Teaching or public speaking
• Organizing schedules and paperwork
• Building relationships with local brokerages

• Most states require schools and instructors to be approved, so check approval rules, bonds and renewal requirements with your state commission
• You may also need a local business license and general liability insurance, so check with your city or county
• Course content must follow state-approved hours and curriculum, and attendance records often have to be kept
• Enrollment can be slow and seasonal at first, so keep a cash cushion for rent
• Check whether your state limits what you can say about pass rates or job prospects

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your classroom rent, materials and setup. These are estimates, so price your own rent, insurance and approval costs before you commit to a space.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on enrollment and your class schedule. Enrollment can be slow and seasonal at first, so keep a cash cushion for rent while you build up students.

Most states require schools and instructors to be approved, so check approval rules, bonds and renewal requirements with your state commission. Also check with your city or county about a local business license and general liability insurance.