24 year old college graduate wanting to get into this field. I have a couple questions.
In my state, it's required that you have 54 hours of pre-licensing education before you can even take the exam. I looked up an institute (from my state government website) that offered the pre-licensing education for approximately $400 for 6 hours.

I recently graduated college with an unrelated degree and I'm living on my own with my fiancee. I can't afford $3,800 bucks to get the pre-licensing education I need. What are the chances of finding a company that will hire me as a paid intern and pay for this education? Would this be extremely uncommon? 

Also, I have aspirations to become a CCIM later on down the road when I have a portfolio. I'm optimistic, ambitious and goal oriented but what steps do I need to take to lead me there?

Thank you for any advice or suggestions you have for me. Starting out and being completely new to this is puzzling and intimidating but solid advice from professionals helps more than you know.
[{"id": "c7o6kff", "text": "Have you tried looking at any of the big commercial brokerage firms?\nM&amp;M, CBRE, ARA, GVA KM...\n\nI don't know if they pay/contribute for your education though. It would most likely be up to the broker who's managing you (as an intern) and his generosity. If he likes you, he may pay for your education in return for x amt of years of commitment and part of your commissions, etc. Otherwise, from my experience, these brokerage companies are STINGY.", "replies": [{"id": "c7o9mvx", "text": "Agreed. But I'll suggest that when you approach the different firms, also contact brokers directly. Ask them if they'll take the time to meet with you to share their thoughts how you might find a path. I don't think you would have any problems getting brokers to share some of their experiences. In a sense, you can start networking right away.\n\nAs for money, income, costs to cover education - I have yet to hear of a company, broker or brokerage team that offered to pay the way for someone. Don't be surprised when you meet with the professionals if one of their first questions is about your personal resources. Basically, they're trying to find out if you have enough cash reserves to live income-free for 12 to 18 months - the time it probably will take between hitting the pavement to getting your first commission. \n\nI once heard the process of getting into CRE described as a large plane taking off. You'll need a long runway to launch, but once you're in the air, it gets easier.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "c7ss0wc", "text": "There was a posting along these lines not too long ago. From what I remember the OP did something like an IAMA. Goldman Sachs I think. From New York and now in Chicago. Bought a shopping mall from a doctor with a Kmart anchor store.\n\nDon't remember much more than that. This was maybe 3 months ago? I tried searching but so far no luck. ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "c820nmi", "text": "Can you do home-study pre-licensing in your state?  I did all of mine this way and the entire course cost me $700(for 75 hours of home study, 15 hours in-class, 90 total). After I finished this course, I was able to take the state exam and get my license.\n\n", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "c85vif4", "text": "90 hours required in my state, $1100 total with exam Fee. Are you sure it's so expensive? Are you looking at real estate salesperson?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]