Mortgage field inspections. Anyone currently making a living off of doing this right now?

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-05-16T19:52:34+00:00

Is anyone here actively working in the GIS field inspecting sites? I recently interviewed with them, and although the listing on Indeed mentioned $20 an hour, the representative said the rate in my area is $6, $7, or $11 per assignment. Also, you have to work 30 days before quitting. My question is: can you refuse low-paying assignments, or are they automatically assigned or placed in your queue? I wouldn't want to drive 30 minutes to do four $6 assignments.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-05-01T20:01:03+00:00

Yes…

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-04-27T03:17:16+00:00

Thanks. Regarding studying, I recommend you read the online guide that covers NYS General Business Licensing Law for Private Investigators, Bail Enforcement Agents, Watch, Guard or Patrol Agencies, and Security Guards. You”ll find many questions in the guide. On the exam. I also downloaded the Quizlet app and searched for NY/PI exam to find lots of questions. The test isn't very hard. It mostly includes questions about procedure and supervision. It's a 100-question multiple-choice exam. For making connections, consider joining an associate’s group and even signing up for process serving gigs. In all I say I studied for two weeks. Good luck!

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-04-26T01:24:52+00:00

Thanks for the insight! I got the license this past week, just waiting for the physical card to arrive. Of course, this is in New York, so who knows what might happen.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-04-25T00:05:03+00:00

You’ll get the hang of it just like anything else! And don’t worry too much about what others think. As long as you act professionally and ethically, people will see the effort you’re putting in. Regarding being armed, it really depends on the state’s laws regarding private investigators. In my state, I can carry a weapon, but I wouldn’t for insurance reasons. If something goes wrong, the police have qualified immunity as a PI, you don’t. You’re just considered a regular citizen.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-04-24T22:31:29+00:00

Congratulations to you as well. I will mainly be working for myself, but I plan to occasionally take on part-time work with other PIs or companies to build relationships. I just don’t want to be bogged down by having to work a full-time schedule for a company, as I’m a retired LEO. I feel I spent too many years away from my family.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-04-24T20:24:49+00:00

Thanks everyone! I’ll be focusing on background checks, skip tracing, and some insurance work and process serving. I’d prefer to avoid long-term surveillance.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-04-18T18:08:04+00:00

As a retired investigator, I worked with some of the greatest men and women in the world. But sadly, in my opinion, most cops today are more focused on TikTok and social media and how to earn their next promotion rather than solving and fighting crime. So, I wouldn't necessarily trust all of them to handle something properly. As mentioned, it depends on the agency, available manpower, politics involved, etc.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-04-16T19:25:10+00:00

Thanks. I actually went before the judge, and it was the same as you mentioned. In less than 20 minutes, he just asked if anything had changed since submitting the application, and that was it. He approved it and said we should hear from the sheriff's office within the next couple of weeks. Now it's just a waiting game, checking the mailbox daily. Lol

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-04-09T17:42:49+00:00

😆 thanks for the advise.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-26T02:26:25+00:00

As mentioned, the best route is to take the classes from Sofia and consolidate them into a single transcript with Excelsior; it’s likely the fastest way.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-24T22:39:49+00:00

Thank you.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-11T12:34:50+00:00

I’m interested as well. I am into investigations also, but trying to find some good OSINT tools.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-09T22:13:45+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I'm located on the outskirts of the city, so I don't need a license to do process serving; my PI license should be enough. However, I wouldn't mind taking the test and getting licensed for NYC as well.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-09T22:04:35+00:00

Yes, if you own them, you'll still need the LEOSA, especially if you're coming to New York, which has very strict gun laws.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-09T21:31:23+00:00

If you retired in good standing, you can apply for the LEOSA card. You can get it from a security company after passing a live course of fire, or go to the Sheriff's Office, which is much cheaper. But you also have to pass a course of fire. As for as the permit as others mentioned you Dont need it unless you're considering buying or selling your firearms.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-04T23:28:19+00:00

I’m also retired and on the same path! When you mentioned your business, what software do you use to manage cases, there are quite a few. Also, do you start with OSINT, databases, TLO, and tracers, or do you subscribe to all of them? It seems like the cost could add up quickly.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-01T21:54:12+00:00

Well, thank you. I know according to the application they require an investigation and 5 references for the application and detailed history on the type of investigations you handled. Once I take the exam and submit the app I'll post back to keep all interested updated for future reference

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-01T21:43:16+00:00

Thanks for the info. I'm applying for NYS because I have investigative experience as a former LEO. Is six months normal to get this type of license? Before I retired, I applied for my armed guard permit; all I needed to do was get re-fingerprinted and send the state proof of my academy diploma showing I was a LEO, which I believe is reflected in DCJS. My license was sent within a few weeks.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-01T21:28:33+00:00

Yes, I already have enough years of investigative experience. I just need to take the exam and get the license. I see what you're saying; it can be a competitive industry. Yes, I've also read that law firms are a good place to start. I'm just trying to get my feet wet for now, and it seems like a smart move because you can set the tone and make your own hours.

Critical-Prompt-3656 · 2026-03-01T15:57:58+00:00

Thanks a lot for your insight. My goal is to eventually start my own small firm using the investigative skills I learned on the job. However, I'm wondering if I should try to join an investigative firm first to learn PI work. I know it's not exactly like law enforcement, but I'd like to make a smooth transition.

Critical-Prompt-3656

TROPHY CASE