I have been a sole broker for 5 years and have yet to receive a solicitation from a franchise.  Why are you being unindated with solicitations?  I do get many agents asking me if I like being on my own and there has been a huge increase of sole brokers in my MLS in the last 2 years.  It is becoming very popular to not be connected to a franchise here.  As far as a support group:  Can a support group bring me more clients - highly ready buyers and sellers?  If so I will spend time with it.  Otherwise, I probably won't be interested in spending time with another blog.

Hello! Fellow Texan. I have worked with all of the major names. Payed my fair share of franchise fees, office fees, broker fees, etc...

Once you are comfortable with working on your own, go for it. I joined a flat fee broker in San Antionio several years ago and worked from home 2 years. I then found a broker out of Houston that allowed me to open my own office, as a branch with TREC and hire my own agents. Very reasonable fee! Flat fee. It is wonderful. The benefit to using him and not getting my brokers license is this....He sponsors over 400 agents in Texas and he gets a good rate on E&O insurance. If I were to go broker myself, I would probably pay a lot. I am a manager owner and have been in real estate a long time. I know the ropes. I would not recommend a rookie to do this. I rented office space. Opened an office. It is great. Write me directly if you want more information. Good luck.