She and other agents based there are all a part of a sponsorship team in eXp that I am not, but that didn't affect her willingness to mentor me. 

That can look like two buddies owning a building together or a full blown TIC sponsorship under rev proc 2002-22.  

The club has moved back to an educational format with a limited amount of paid sponsorship.

Hi BP, hope you're all staying warm. Any help with the below would be very much appreciated:

I completed the prerequisites to be a real estate salesperson with the primary intentions of gaining MLS access (...

I would like to make the transition to becoming a real estate agent however I want to make sure I do it the right way.My plan is to take real estate classes, pass the test, get sponsorship by a broker and receive my license.

Sponsorships.

Can't wait to use it in a sponsorship contest.

Why not go all the way, and lobby the big guys at wal-mart, lowes, home depot, and try to get sponsorship.

Do realtor's pay their broker's by year for sponsorship (or deal, etc.)?

If it is a large complex (above 50-75), you will most likely need to partner with a more experienced player who can bring some capital and experience to the table.You may be able to get some cash and a small percentage of the sponsorship in exchange for being the eyes and ears on the ground.