I also happen to have a broker's license but do not actively sell or list. I am a member of the National Association of Realtors (I can't figure out how to do that little circled r). There are also State Associations and well as Local Associations (some of which call themselves "Boards"). Whatever, it really doesn't matter what they call themselves. Here, if you have a broker's or salesperson's real estate license, you have to belong to the local "board" of Realtors to be able to access the MLS (obviously, there are people who would take advantage). When you join the local "board" you get membership in the State and National Associations. As far as BPO's, here in PA (at last check), a licensed person (licensed by the State as a real estate salesperson/broker not necessarily a Realtor) could perform a BPO only in anticipation of getting a listing (normal course of business). Be it a foreclosure or estate or whatever. Some people in this world will twist ANYTHING (it's called ethics) whether it be a salesperson, broker, lender, banker, lawyer, indian chief ....well, you get the idea. With the almost total "gutting" of Title XI, anything is possible. I've seen values (not really values) stretched so far it would make one ill. Thought pattern is by the people stretching these values is that normal "appreciation" will make their infraction invisible. If it goes, like I said in one of the local papers, it'll make the S&L mess look like a picnic. I relinquish my "soapbox".