the differences? as in some people say that it's bad to have realtor license and try to invest in properties because it hinders you from making a great amount of money, then I hear that getting your realtor license opens doors to other opportunities as well and that you can be just as successful doing either one?

Without a license if you are simply looking for a place to invest your money.

Basically with a license there are certain rules you have to follow and of course you have to disclose you are a real estate agent. Without a license you can do pretty much anything as long as you don't break the law. With a license you can find properties faster and search exactly the way you want without having to pay a commission to someone else (except maybe the seller's agent). Without a license you have to wait on a real estate agent to find what you want or get creative (I suggest getting creative with or without a license).

After attending one of the real estate seminars, I tried to invest without a license and realized that it hinders more from making more money so I decided to get a license.

A one time investment wouldn't be worth the hassle and fees. If you plan on doing lots of transactions, then it could pay off.

This is probably the 2 biggest advantages. Example 1.You have access to MLS (Multiple Listing Service) a valued recource of data to help you place values on properties. Example 2. You can set up alerts in MLS so you are immediately made aware when a property with you parameters is listed and you can act quickly to make an offer on that property.Most of the disadvantages is for those having direct contact to buyers and sellers.Each state may be a bit different but when you have a Real Estate license you are bound by the state's RE Commission and its rules and regulations. You will be required to have certain considerations and to take certain actions in some situations. You have to learn to not just have your own personal interests in mind. You must disclose to the other party that you have entered into and hold a "fiduciary responsibility" to them and are constantly holding their interests. Example 1. You want to purchase property personally and when calling someone to see if they are interested in selling their home(after checking the "Do Not Call List") you must fully state your name, office and that you are a licensed agent in that state. That should immediately show to the person that you well informed on home prices and some feel that you give up some advantages and bargaining position. Lets say they want to sell their home 60% below market... do you purchase it your self or do you offer to list it for them giving them the opportunity to get market price. Somone who is non licensed can more easily purchase the property directly where you the licensed person has to consider the other parties interest 1st, then your Broker's interest, then finally your own interest.Example 2. You want to sell one of your investment properties. You must state in the MLS listing and contracts that you are licensed in that state. You must respect any broker procedural requirements. One example might be you must put a sign on lawn and the phone # on sign must be the office phone # not your cell phone and all calls may not be forwarded to you but rather the front desk and the agent on phone duty. Can be a big deal if you feel you are best qualified to sell the home and want other buyer leads.Your license must be held with a broker to remain active and their will be some annual MLS and licensing fees but overall if you plan on entering into numerous transactions that are both moral and ethical then it is to your advantage to have a license.