Need Guidance on Licensing and the Future

[Andrew Davis]

I'm interested in real estate investments and have seen mixed advice on whether to get a RE license. Questions I have after doing some basic reading:

(I am in Dallas, TX and would plan to get my license there)

1. What are the costs associated with maintaining your license? I've seen courses to get the license so I have an idea of the initial cost, but maintenance is an unknown to me right now.
2. Is it possible to practice while working full time (by possible I mean practical/have you made a sale while also working full time)? While I'm starting out I'd like to be able to carry the maintenance costs during the year by making a few sales; however, I do not plan to quit my current job to practice full time.
3. How do you go about finding a broker? I had thought it would be simple to get MLS access with a license, but it seems after reading a few threads on BP that your broker will determine the MLS area you have access to.
4. Any recommendations for license courses?
5. Assuming I attain my RE license, what would you recommend as a next step for someone just starting out in terms of finding a broker to work with (ie, go for the biggest name like Keller Williams or find a smaller local company)?

Thanks in advance!