Which one of the following needs to have a real estate license to practice property management?

A broker receiving compensation for property management activity is required to have a real estate license because property management is considered a licensed activity under Washington state law. Property management involves important tasks such as leasing properties, collecting rents, and managing day-to-day operations, which require knowledge of real estate laws, tenant rights, and ethical obligations. Thus, a licensed broker must be involved to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to protect both the property owner and tenants.

In this context, the other individuals mentioned—such as the bookkeeper, resident manager, and property owner—do not require a real estate license. A bookkeeper typically focuses solely on financial aspects and not on the broader management of properties, the resident manager often operates under the authority of a licensed manager or broker, and property owners have the right to manage their own properties without a license. These distinctions highlight the necessity of licensure for individuals engaged in compensated property management activities to maintain professional standards and legal compliance in real estate practices.