Need advice/ pointers on what, and how to study prior to and after I get licensed.

[Damen Oser]

(((Read the Title if you want the cut down version.)))

I've been thinking thinking things over for the past few months, and I have come to the conclusion that this is what I want to do. 

I have to save up some money though, before I can start. Many would say not to, and to just start in my local area, but it's such a soul sucking place. So I have decided I am going to use this as my chance to get out. I get how this career is, or at least how it is at the start. Very unforgiving and easy to get swept away if your aren't on your A-Game. Which is why I am here. I don't have a way of reaching out to the top guys of my area, (nor do I want to ruin my first impression). 

I figured, the next best thing would be to reach out to professionals over the web. I've been reading on my own, but I also want to hear what professionals, and other experienced people in this field have to say. 
I understand that I can't learn it all on the web, but I want to learn as much of the essentials before I get in, so that I can hit the ground running. 

I would also appreciate if you guys could recommend resources that I should use once I am in. I want to set myself up with the best possible launch I can get. 

(I know I didn't exactly convey it so in this post, but I really want this. I've always had a desire to to go out and make a name for myself. I will make this work by any means necessary.)

Thanks in advance.