Best way to get started?

[Laurie Falk]

Hi, I've read some forums on this already, but would love to see if I can get some additional feedback, and maybe even some specific to my area.

I am working on getting my real estate license in Virginia and interested in suggestions from current agents. Initially, I was thinking starting this as a side gig and to have access to the MLS for getting into real estate investing. Now, I'm thinking that maybe I'd be interested in doing it more than that but I do not want to quit my full time job now. I know the challenges of trying to start part time and am willing to put in the time and effort to be successful. What types of brokerages should I aim to find to get started? I understand some of the advantages/disadvantages of big versus small, but am having a difficult time deciding where the best starting point is for where I am. Anyone in the Richmond, VA area been successful in tackling this?

Thanks!