New NJ real estate agent with no commissions but expenses equaling $4k (MLS, monthly dues etc.) Do I take the standard deduction only because it's more than 4k? both?

Everyone is telling me that I can only take the standard deduction because it's more than the $4,000 in real estate expenses I have for 2018. Someone else told me it's different and can do both because real estate is a small business. I am married and have a full time job as well.

TY