I have never had a bankruptcy but my score is low. Mistakes from the past.

What state is that? In NJ your score doesn't matter. I've never heard of a state that checked your score for a license. A broker on the other hand has a right to ask for pretty much everything since you're under their license and they're ultimately responsible for your actions. A good explanation of why your credit is that way will probably get you a license and into a real estate company.

Depends on how bad your credit is. They run a background check on you with bankruptcies would show up. You also must be fingerprinted.

Because you are being asked to work in the capacity of a trusted advisor when it comes to a very large purchase someone is going to make that will greatly impact their finances. If you can't be responsible with your own money, how can you help others make a reasonable purchase with their own. Same principal that requires lawyers to have somone vouch for them as being "of sound moral judgement"