Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: resale of bankrupt forclosures

You don't need a real estate license to buy and sell real estate for your own account. You don't need a contractor's license to work on your own property, but some types of work have to be done by licensed persons. Whether you need a city business license depends on the facts and the city's policy. Some are more aggressive than others. Many would consider your activity an investment activity, some a business. Check with city hall in the municipality where you'll be most active.

Also don't forget that repairs and sales by owners are subject to a bundle of regulations including building permits, seller's disclosure requirements and a lot more even if you don't need a license.