Should I begin a career as a commercial real estate broker if I want to become a full-time real estate investor one day?

Becoming a commercial broker probably means that you have to pay money and put in time to get licensed when there's an easier way. I am to the point where I can flip houses now but started off with no money. What I did was wholesale (flip contracts) for money until I had enough money in the bank to start getting hard money loans. For that, I only needed about $10,000 in the bank and now can flip homes.

It can not hurt and you could represent your self down the road when you start investing. I have a partner that has her brokerage license so fees, commissions, etc. are factored into our portfolio. If she did not have the license we would be paying someone else.

Keeping as many functions as possible in-house will help your bottom line, but keep in mind that it takes many skill sets to be successful in real estate investing, especially flipping.  I know many investors who won't touch construction or major remodel projects because they don't consider construction one of their strengths.  I know others who partner with general contractors to augment their brokerage skills and complete profitable flips.  I know still others who hate working with tenants and prefer to build multi-family projects, hire a leasing agent to fill them with tenants, then sell them as quickly as possible.  When you're starting out, determine what you have the capacity to do at the professional level and farm out everything else to pros.

Yes you should become a broker if you want to invest in commercial real estate/residential real estate in the future. Most importantly as you noted, you have zero savings. Somehow you are going to need to earn an income and pay the bills and then have capital to invest. Providing that you are successful this will give you the capital you need. As a broker you will earn and learn. You will also see the real risk that others take on in the real estate investment business. You will forge some relationships with mentors in both brokerage and the investor side of the industry that will be extremely valuable to you. All around you win, and you will be well prepared to execute on your plan as an investor. Best of success to you.

Currently in the Las Vegas market, buy and hold is the best strategy for small time investors.  But there are deals out there where you can do a quick rehab and flip.  I work as the Realtor for my family who are all RE investors here.  They are happy to pay me instead of 3rd party agent plus I get to get my hands dirty and help fix up many of the properties then LIST them.  I would advise you to get to know the business inside and out. Know the laws, know your market, know outside the box techniques that work to your advantage (buying up HOA liens and going into "partnership" with the homeowner...etc)....there are tons of ways to make money in real estate. Lastly, market yourself ALWAYS. #prospectingwillgetyoupaid

Most brokers only pay commission.  Depending on your degree, it MAY be possible to go on the payroll for one of the large commercial brokers, like CBRE, as an accountant, or other salaried staff if you are qualified.  Then you could sustain yourself economically while obtaining a license.If you can financially sustain yourself without a job until you can learn the business, then I say go for it!Good luck