What are the requirements for running you own brokerage firm?

[Alexandra Preziosi]

Hello! I am just getting my feet wet in real estate, and do not have a license. One of my 5 year goals is to run my own independent brokerage firm, but I have a few questions about what the minimal requirements would be to do just that. First, does one need to be a real estate agent before being an independent broker? I really wish to broker homes freelance and not under a company if that is possible to do from the start. And finally, what sort of licenses and education is required to become a broker? Thanks so much! Looking forward to your feedback.