Becoming a loan officer

[JD Gibson]

Hello again fellow BPers!

As always, there is a wealth of information on this site, and all the feedback is appreciated.

I have just recently become interested in the possibility of pursuing a position in the lending side of the industry. The problem is, I have no idea on where to get started, and I do not have a college degree. I have seen plenty of positions listed that mention either needing a degree, or needing experience. Other positions that are listed mention that they do not require either. I have a 5 year background in automobile sales, so I believe I have framework of the correct skill set for a foot in the door. Some of my research is bringing up things such as pre-licensing classes and a SAFE exam.

Assuming I have no problems with the testing aspects, what are some of the best ways to get a foot in the door? Should I take the classes and pass the test first, or wait until an offer is secured, and then complete the tests within a set time frame. I also know that money isn't everything, and that it varies by market anyway, but what would a realistic first year income look like at entry level.

Thanks in advance for any insight on the questions that I have asked, as well as questions that I did not ask, and probably should have.

J.D. Gibson