Real estate agent license classes in Chicago

[Joseph Montes]

Hi, I'm interested in obtaining a real estate agent license as a first step in furthering my investor knowledge outside of BP and, of course, for the practical benefits: MLS access/being able to do my own deals. I have two questions for the community:

1) Is there a school/course in Chicago (where I live) that people recommend? I've done some Googling and there are some decent looking courses out there, but I'd like to hear opinions. I work traditional hours so evening/weekend would be ideal.

2) The market I actually invest in is in Michigan. I know you have to get licenses within the state you want to work in and I've read up a bit about Michigan's requirements (http://bit.ly/1gQudcp). Would a course give me most of the general knowledge I need and then I could then pick up more of the state-specific knowledge on my own?

Thanks for your help with my inquiries! Happy hoidays.