Rental and leasing real estate agent

Landlords and property owners, and in some cities renters, depending on local practice and rules.

A leasing fee or commission per lease signed, often a share of a month's rent or a set amount, split with your brokerage. Deals are smaller than home sales but close faster.

• Quick, friendly communication
• Scheduling many showings
• Knowing local rental neighborhoods and prices
• Basic knowledge of lease paperwork

• Licensing rules for leasing differ by state, so check with your state's real estate commission
• Fee rules, such as who can be charged a fee, differ by city and state
• Fair housing laws apply to advertising and screening, so get training
• Fees per deal are smaller, so you may need many leases to earn a steady income
• Check insurance and tax needs as an independent contractor

Estimates put startup costs typically around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on your state and brokerage. Also check insurance and tax needs as an independent contractor when budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many leases you close. Fees per deal are smaller, so you may need many leases to earn a steady income.

Check licensing rules for leasing with your state's real estate commission, and check fee rules on who can be charged, which differ by city and state. Fair housing laws apply to advertising and screening, so get training.