Considering becoming an agent/broker

[Josh Bryan]

I have been in the cell phone business for 6+ years and I am considering a career change. I am thinking about becoming a RE agent then getting my brokers license. I think I would enjoy this industry a lot more. I have a few questions though. With the current economy, should i even be considering doing this? How many months of living expenses should I have saved up before making the career change? Would I be better off with someone like Coldwell Banker, Re/Max, etc., or find a small local broker to work under? I am in the western suburbs of Chicago. Should I get my education through realestateexpress.com, my local community college, or Coldwell Banker has classes? Any information would be appreciated.