Beginner in RE Looking for Advice/Tips on Real Estate Licenses

[Will Bungert]

I'm a 24 yr old early in my career in corporate finance working for a CRE brokerage firm and I'm interested in getting a real estate license to 1) learn more about residential real estate markets before I begin my investing journey and 2) potentially earn supplemental income as an agent. I'd be very thankful for advice from anyone with knowledge/background on real estate licensing, investing, and/or markets. I'd be thrilled to connect with experienced real estate professionals that I could learn from, as well as anyone in my boat who is just starting their real estate path. A couple questions I was hoping someone could answer, specifically related to Illinois real estate licensing:

1) Brokers license vs residential real estate agent license: which is better for someone just starting out in real estate?

2) I am currently working full time and put my primary job first: is it realistic to become a real estate agent/broker as a side hustle?

3) For the brokers license specifically - any tips on finding a good managing broker for sponsorship?

I would appreciate any guidance, thank you!