Your question is a good one; many people have posted thoughtful responses to it in the past. I suggest you check the archives.
REI is a great way to generate secondary income. Whatever route you take (to realtor or not to realtor), you will get priceless info from this web site that no realtor course will ever teach you.
Posted by Joseph Dolan on March 14, 2002 at 13:44:31:
I am starting to look into investing in real estate as a secondary income. I have little capital to invest but lots of time. I was thinking of taking a principles in real estate class locally, and then getting my real estate license. Is this necessary? Any ideas on how to get started?