What are the steps and would you recommend getting your CA RE License?

[Andrew Carter]

Hi, I'm looking for some thoughts and feedback. I am a carpenter looking to get both my CA Contractors license and Real Estate license, looking to build a business while pursuing my end goal of owning several multi-family home rental / investment properties. I currently own a home in CA, but haven't decided if investing in CA or out of state will be preferable for me (The traveling business person / traveling nurse market for mid-term rentals is pretty tempting in my market).

For you RE Agents, what are some tips you would share to get started? Would you recommend taking an online course (affiliated or non-affiliated)? Would you recommend joining a large co-op like Keller Williams? Or for the "Go Getter" types, would you recommend not joining a co-op? 

Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance.