Sales Agent License vs Brokers License: For getting 3% discount?

[Max Spellman]

Hi,

I am interested in buying about 500k worth of real estate, and my father is looking at selling his 1.5m place in California, and relocating to an income-tax free state and buying a home.

I was scared out of real estate sales, due to the fact I would have to become a sales agent (paying my boss to work) instead of being self-employed. 

What state will allow me the quickest access to become a full blown managing broker, or allow me to work for myself and possibly hire a sales agent?