Want to get license but can't work full time (San Diego)

[Kevin Phu]

Hi all! I want to get my real estate license for access to the MLS and to also be able to sell properties. I did intend on diving in REI full time while going to college (just recently separated from the military) but that all changed. I got offered a really good job that would be extremely idiotic if I didn't take it.

I still want and plan to be involved in real estate. Would it still be worth it to get my license? Also, how accepting are brokers to hanging a license up for an agent that will only be listing and selling when possible? How does that all even work? Do they get a cut or charge a fee?

One last question. This may be specific to CA but I'm not sure. Can I go ahead and do my courses, pass my exam and THEN look for a broker who would be willing to hang my license? Or do I need to find a broker before taking the exam? I'm assuming I can finish my courses and then take the exam whenever I feel ready.