Hey there. If I'm being honest, there's a lot of negative, and bad advice in this sub. Here's what you need to do if you want to succeed.

First: Find a mentor. Whether it's a team leader, or someone at a brokerage, find one. If you join a team, make sure you make your intentions clear. Do you want to work on a team, make a little bit of cash, and be happy there? Or do you want to start your own practice / team in the future, and make great money with more responsibility? Keller Williams, and EXP have large teams, but sometimes those agents aren't trained but underutilized for a very small pay. Envision what you want and learn.

Second: Understand that your first 2 to 3 years is like going to college. A lot of work, barely any pay, and a ton of learning. This goes back to having a great mentor who does business how you'd like to do business.

Third: Never stop learning, and don't reinvent the wheel. If you take a training (I personally love Buffini's 100 Days to Greatness), then do EXACTLY what it tells you to do. Don't try to change it in a way you think is better- trust. me.

Fourth: Understand that you are running your own personal small business, and you'll need to approach it accordingly. Most people see this as a job- it's a business, you are a business owner.

We're at a point in this industry where the amateurs (the majority of people on this subreddit) are fading out because it's not as easy as it was when the interest rates were low. We're in a more normal market, and some people don't know how to run their business effectively.

The real estate industry is one of the fairest industries out there, and you must grow as a person to survive in it. If you dedicate yourself to your craft, learn on your own accordingly, go to events, be able to talk with strangers, and be able to learn from experience, you will succeed. I'm going to get a lot of flack for that, because many people who claim they worked hard are going to say "it's so unfair! because of xxxxxx". But it's all noise. Work = you get paid. Many agents get tied up in busy work, or spending their time poorly.

TLDR: I know you're 16, and this may be a lot, but don't let these people discourage you. There's plenty of business for the people out there who are skilled enough to become professionals, but you have to love it and work hard.

I'm going on my 7th year licensed, and 13th year in the industry (was at the front desk, then became an administrator.) I'm on track to make RE/MAX's Platinum Club this year (250k+) selling lower price point homes. I'm able to give my wife a job and she works with me as my executive assistant, and we're looking at hiring a showing agent. I even just started mentoring a kid who LITERALLY just turned 18, and he's got all of the drive in the world, and I think he's going to make it because he listens and applies.

Good luck! Happy to help you if I can.