Dane Sanderson Find a broker with a good training program.

Work your sphere of influence.  I had three listings as soon as I was licensed from that.

If you hear Elvis singing "Don't be Fooled" in the back of your head ... listen to it.  It will likely lead you to your gut which acts like a second brain. Take your time. Everyone is selling something ... you don't want to be sold. You want to be trained and mentored. 

Find a KW office and take Ignite.

What Michael Setunsky said...

Dane Sanderson congratulations on your choice of an excellent career.  I would suggest you interview many brokerages in your area.  Find on that has an excellent training program and that you think will be a good fit.  Build your data base, have a business plan, manage your time, and most of all prospect every day.  I have an Excel file that will help you with your business plan.  If you would like a copy email me at richard@allstarhomegroup.com and I will send you a copy.  Good luck.

Dane Sanderson - I'd recommend coaching or mentor-ship. And yes, either join a team that provides this or on your own with a brokerage.

Speak with a variety of brokerages. You want to choose one that offers an abundance of resources for a reasonable monthly fee, and also one that will provide a mentor. 

Become associated with a real estate brokerage so that you can get your license.

Diana Zaccaro and Kathleen Daniels said what I was going to say in response. Good luck, Dane Sanderson !

Make sure you have sufficient funds to cover all the startup expenses your broker will not pay. Also, you need good reserves, 6+ months worth to cover all your current bills and living expenses PLUS all the additional costs you will incur in doing business until the commission checks start rolling in.

Finding a good broker is no different that a job search for any other job. Decide on what you want to do in RE and what type of brokerage would be the best fit for you, then start pounding the pavement and interviewing until you find one that is right for you.

Find a place where you can serve, be of service and learn as you go. Become familiar with documents, lingo and associated services. Begin when ready

Smart first steps. (detailed in Get On The Right Track)

#1 Step - acquire 'Get On THE Right Track

#2. Assess resources and skills

#3. Research real estate market

#5. Know your minimal income needs

#6. Interview agents

#7. Create business plan
#8. Go to real estate school. (depending on plan, school may be unnecessary)

#9. Select broker with proper performance measure.

#10. Follow instructions and make some money.

Here is your choice.

If you do not do the homework before you spend your money you WILL become part of the Failure System food chain, by default a buyers agent, and everyone will watch to see if you sink or swim. In the end, no one will thank you for the $12,000 you will leave behind.

Find a great brokerage truly interested in training you. Pr0bably a big name franchise,

Have savings for 6 month to 1 year as most are learning the biz.... 

Hi Dane depending on what kind of budget you may or may not have you may want to consider joining a top producing team for the first 2 years to get some overflow deals. don't get caught up on your brand. Your brand is nothing if you are broke and have to leave the business after a year and half with not enough sales as a solo agent.