The Real Estate License Act (TRELA) prohibits individuals from engaging in real estate brokerage activity without an active real estate license. Acting as a principal, a person may purchase, sell, lease, or sublease real estate for profit without being licensed as a broker or sales agent.To start a real estate business in Texas, you would need: 1. Business License: Obtain a general business license to operate legally. 2. There can be some validation to this, but it is foolish to self represent; unless you are an attorney who knows real estate law. Associate may not engage in the brokerage of businesses or in the management of property without Broker's knowledge and written consent. 6. In Texas, an agent or broker requires a real estate license. Follow these six easy steps to get your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent license. We offer flexible delivery methods, scheduling, and packages. To obtain a Texas real estate salesperson license, you are required to complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education.