Retail leasing agent for local shops

Landlords and property owners with vacant units, and sometimes small business owners who hire you to find them a location.

A commission, usually a percentage of the lease value, paid when a lease is signed. Your broker typically takes a share. Income can be uneven, with deals taking weeks or months to close.

• Sales and negotiation
• Organizing viewings and paperwork
• Building relationships with owners and local business people
• Reading a lease and basic numbers

• State real estate license requirements, which vary by state, so check with your state's real estate commission
• Commission is usually paid only when a deal closes, so plan for months with no income
• Brokerage fees, dues and any desk or tech costs you pay under your broker
• Rules on disclosing who you represent and on written agreements with clients
• Whether you will be treated as an independent contractor for taxes, and how to set aside money for self-employment tax

Estimated startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on brokerage fees, dues and any desk or tech costs you pay under your broker. Check what your broker charges before you sign on.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many deals close. Commission is usually paid only when a lease is signed, so plan for months with no income.

Check your state's real estate license requirements, which vary, with your state's real estate commission. Also check rules on disclosing who you represent, written agreements with clients, and how independent contractor status affects your taxes.