Who can tell me about real estate brokers license?

I am planning on buying and selling houses for investment, just for myself, not for anyone else. So I do not want everyone else to make commision in my transactions. I understand in California you can replace a 4 years (bachelors) degree for the 2 year experience needed as a real estate sales persons and that I have to take 8 extra classes and pass the brokers state license. My question is:
1) can I, sell a house as a broker and also act as the selling agent?
2) as a broker can I set up my own brokage firm, or I have to work for a franchise?
3) why do most people rather be a sales agent rather than a broker, even though they have to give alot of their commision to the broker?
Also do you know any reputable online broker license classes. Any other info on being a broker is appreciated.

While I'm working from Washington, my understanding is that the California rules are very similar.

A few terms, just so we don't get confused.

Listing agent - the person with his/her name on the sign.

Selling agent - the person that brings the buyer.

Now, a broker can also be an agent, and there are any number of one-person operations. There's also nothing saying that you cannot market your own property, but you need to disclose that the owner is also a licensed real estate agent.

You may also buy property for yourself, acting as your own agent. It's a good idea to disclose that to a seller as well.

As a broker, you may operate your own firm. There are many non-franchise real estate brokerages around. (I work with one myself.)

Why am I not a broker? The broker has headaches and responsibilities that I don't particularly want. I'm an independent contractor, and consider the portion of the commission I share with the broker to be money well spent. It buys me an office, accountant, secretary, some advertising, legal representation and a number of other valuable services. (It may surprise you to find that many agents actually hold a broker's license, but choose to work as agents.)

It also gives me another experienced agent that I can trust to look over my work and give me advice. I'm good, but I'm also human.

If I need to leave town for an emergency, or even a vacation, I can turn my clients over to the broker for help, as they are his clients as well.

I'm assuming that you've never sold real estate. Like every other profession I've seen, it isn't as easy as it looks to outsiders.

You will probably find that the costs of operating a single-person brokerage exceed what you would pay in commissions to a broker, and you lose the benefit of having the extra help.

As for online classes, I believe Rockwell Institute also has courses for California. They're probably the best of the online courses.

But remember that the courses are only intended to give you enough background to begin working with experienced agents helping you. Some of us have been doing this for many years, and we're good at it.

And most people who get their first license don't ever make it to their first renewal. Those that do have almost always gotten involved with a good mentor or partnered up with an agency with a strong training program.

Good luck!