Getting started in real estate investing in Texas.

[William Ashley]

Hello,

So I have always been interested in acquiring rental properties and when I recently discovered Bigger Pockets I really got motivated to start putting things in motion. From what I have gathered it would behoove me to obtain real estate agent's license to gain access to the MLS and to just get a better understanding of real estate in general. I am currently in Texas which requires 180 classroom hours before I can take my exam for the Real Estate Salesperson license. My questions is:

Can I take these classes online?  If so, any recommendations on credible sources would be greatly appreciated.  Also, I have a pretty extensive academic background and have found that I enjoy in-person classes much more.  I am willing to sacrifice this enjoyment if it saves a little money AND if the quality of the education is more or less equivalent.  So if online classes are an option are they worth the potential savings or should I focus solely on in-person classes?

Thanks for the help and I appreciate any and all feedback.