The Close. "How to Become a Real Estate Agent in NY in 5 Easy Steps." If you’re new to the field, you may hear a lot about commission splits. That’s important, but put that conversation on the backburner at first. You’re looking for a real estate culture that suits your personality and style and also conflict of interest when buyer and seller are both clients of real estate agent helps you grow. Ask about mentors, who you’ll go to when you have questions, and if there is an actual training program in place. I would argue that the training is a mirage. I think from a distance it looks good, but once you get closer, you discover as a real estate investor that it's not necessary. I'm referring to “training” as teaching you how to make more money as a traditional real estate agent. There are two ways you make money as a real estate agent; listings and representing buyers.