A lot do — but it's usually not about talent. It's about not having a financial cushion, a clear first-90-days plan, or someone to ask questions. We break down the real reasons agents disappear (and how to avoid becoming one) in The "Ghosted" Agent: Why 87% of Real Estate Agents Quit.

Almost all agents are paid as independent contractors, so your brokerage doesn't withhold any taxes from your commission checks — that's on you. Set aside roughly 25-30% of every commission for federal and self-employment tax, and plan to pay estimated taxes quarterly rather than once a year. A CPA who works with real estate agents specifically is worth the cost your first year.

Not through most brokerages — as an independent contractor, you're normally on your own for health insurance, usually buying a plan through the marketplace or a spouse's employer. A couple of brokerages have closed that gap: eXp Realty and Real both offer agents access to a discounted healthcare plan through Clearwater. It's not a dramatic discount, but it's a real option worth knowing about before you assume you're totally on your own. See how eXp's healthcare program works.

Yes, plenty of agents start this way — but go in with eyes open. Clients and brokerages generally expect fast response times, and showings often happen during business hours. We cover exactly what to expect (and how to find a broker who works with part-timers) in Part-Time Real Estate Agent: Can You Do It Successfully?

Not automatically, and not always for free — many brokerages offer optional lead programs that come with an added fee or referral split. Lead generation is consistently the #1 challenge new agents report, so don't count on leads showing up in your inbox. See our lead generation resources for where to start.

Most new agents close somewhere between 2 and 6 months after getting licensed — longer isn't a sign you're doing something wrong. Our first-month guide breaks down exactly what to focus on while you wait.

You don't have to join a team to get mentorship — plenty of experienced agents are open to helping in exchange for a small referral fee on your first few deals. Here's exactly how to find one.

Teams trade a chunk of your commission for built-in mentorship and leads; going solo keeps more of your money but means figuring more out on your own. We weigh the pros and cons here.

Between licensing, exam fees, MLS dues, and startup costs, budget more than just the course price — see our Expenses guide for exact numbers. Beyond that, aim for 3-6 months of living expenses saved, since your first commission check likely won't land for a couple of months after you start actively working.

You can — Realtor.com lets you collect reviews from past coworkers, clients from a prior career, or anyone who can vouch for your work ethic, even before your first closing. Here's how to set it up.

Not on day one. Getting your existing contacts organized and telling people you're an agent will move the needle faster than a fancy tech stack. When you're ready, here are free tools worth using.