Online vs classroom real estate licensing classes?

[Phyllis E.]

Hello. I am seriously considering getting my real estate license (this would be in Maryland, btw) and am wondering if online courses typically do as good and thorough a job (or maybe even better?) than the typical classroom instruction courses. I live in a rural area and would have to drive a ways to get to any of the regularly offered classroom courses, but it could be doable if necessary. Any recommendations as to who offers great instruction?

Also, is it better to take a course offered directly from a real estate company, than a "generic" course? Do most of the bigger real estate companies, that offer such courses, want to only hire new agents that have taken THEIR specific real estate course?

Also, if you have any recommendations as to which real estate companies offer great on-the-job training or mentoring, after you get your license, that would be appreciated too!

BTW- I think that I would like to do this as a full-time career, not just for personal investing use.

Thanks in advance!