Office finder for small businesses (tenant rep)

Fees are usually paid as a commission when a lease is signed. In many markets the landlord's side pays it, but check how it works locally and agree terms in writing.

A commission on each signed lease, often based on the lease value. Deals take weeks or months to close, so income is lumpy. A few good small-office deals can add up.

• Negotiating and building trust
• Reading leases and asking sharp questions
• Staying organized across several deals

• A real estate license is generally required to arrange leases for a fee; check your state's rules and whether you need a broker to hold your license
• Income can be slow and uneven, so plan for several months with little or no commission
• Brokerage fees, desk fees and splits vary, so read the agreement carefully
• Errors and omissions insurance and any local business license requirements, check with your brokerage and city or county
• Lease advice can have legal consequences, so tell clients to have a lawyer review the final lease

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on your brokerage's fees and your own setup. Brokerage fees, desk fees and splits vary, so read the agreement carefully before you sign anything.

A real estate license is generally required to arrange leases for a fee. Check your state's rules and whether a broker must hold your license. Also check errors and omissions insurance and local business license requirements with your brokerage and city or county.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many leases you close. Income can be slow and uneven, so plan for several months with little or no commission.