You always pay for your license and testing.  Most brokers support you in training and take a percentage out of your pay.  Realtors are always commissioned base and never get paid until we close a sale and are 1099'd and pay your own taxes, health insurance, normally marketing too.  You have to be a self-starter and self-motivated being a Realtor is not for the meek and it is not a "get quick rich" job either.  There is a lot of hard work and dedication to stay comitted to this field.  You work nights and weekends too.  A lot to consider before you sign on to be a Realtor best to do it full time or not at all.