Or does it have to be at a brokerage firm? 

Most of the larger brokerages are between 8%-10% and there is a reason for that.  

And that is split with your brokerage, and what you get is taxed as self employment income, which remember has a higher tax rate than a w2 income.Other costs with your license are mls dues, sentrilock/suprakey dues, Realtor association dues, e&o insurance, continuing education classes, possibly desk fees from broker.

Right now we are looking into becoming licensed agents, and possibly work with an investor-friendly brokerage in order to make more money and really get a feel for this business.

I'm looking for a broker agent in Sacramento County with great sense of local market and strong network of RE pros.

@Andy Bankston I work for a wholesale brokerage firm who has 15 offices nation wide.

Personally, I prefer the smaller brokerages.

Also, can anyone recommend a good brokerage firm to attach my license too? 

I normally have them sign the Information About Brokerage Services if we meet up and ALWAYS have them sign the IABS and a non representation agreement if we agree on a price and I get the house under contract.

The bulk of my experience has been in construction and I have a. little experience in real estate brokerage which I kept an active license for about 30 years.