Five years left in the military. When I get out, I want to go into commercial real estate as a sales agent. What's the best way to prepare?
I know the obvious stuff, like getting a license in the state I want to practice (in my case, Texas).  I'm also looking at getting a Business degree before I get out, which I've heard is more and more of a requirement these days.  And, most importantly, I'm trying to save 18 months worth of living expenses for when it actually happens.

Can anyone else give me an idea of steps I can take to better prepare myself?

EDIT: Clarity.
[{"id": "cnhz9bp", "text": "I'd say if you're jumping into a brokerage position off the bat then you should definitely choose a property type you will be specializing in and improve your knowledge on it and its trends. Also choose a market you want to work in and know the geography well. Lastly, contact brokers and teams and see if they know of a demand anywhere in their office. Ideally you can join a team and have their support (you will be at the bottom with the team and have shitty splits, but it'll be worth everything they can teach you).\nALSO, 5 years is very early. Say you want to do office brokerage in Austin which is booming now, can be a disaster in 5 years. I'd wait a couple years (you can also dodge havig to renew your license if texas requires that)", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cnidyff", "text": "Start by getting your sales license, and find a brokerage to put it under. If you can make a few residential sales here and there throughout your 5 year term. \n\nIt's not cheap to hold the license, however I believe in Texas that you can be a broker after 4 or 5 years with experience. \n\nI would also try to see if you can be a property manager for the military buildings. \n\nAnother good idea would be to build up your network now. LinkedIn is a great source. Find investors, realtors, and lenders to network with. Ask their advice, you'll be surprised how nice people are. \n\nFinally, I got my start with an incredibly giving and friendly Jewish man who mentored me until this day. So find yourself a mentor. ", "replies": [{"id": "cnilwxp", "text": "&gt;Finally, I got my start with an incredibly giving and friendly Jewish man who mentored me until this day. So find yourself a mentor.\n\nWow!  Where are you located?  Near NY/NJ?  I need to find someone like that, thanks for the great advice!\n\nHow did you meet him?", "replies": [{"id": "cnjy49h", "text": "I actually met him on a flight to Italy. You never know when you will get your opportunity so always ask for contact info. ", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cnlt3er", "text": "I'd recommend digging into the finance side of CRE. You will be expected to be familiar with the [pro forma](http://www.propertymetrics.com/blog/2013/03/05/real-estate-proforma/), [rent rolls](https://plurafinancial.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/commercial-real-estate-cap-rates-and-valuation/), and things that really convey value for the investor clients. With 5 years left, you have plenty of time to dig into that and really understand it. Hope the links help. Also, thank you for your service!", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cnwqz0l", "text": "I would advise using your G.I. Bill to go to a college that has a strong business school and a real estate program, consider getting a degree in marketing and a minor in real estate. That would give you great skills to succeed in the sales side of real estate.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cofmlbf", "text": "This gonna be so easy because I am also a real estate sales agent. Look first a real estate brokerage firm - reliable, credible and stable company. Then join them register and attend their basic orientation coarse. Select the most convenient place where you can promote real estate business - house and lot, condominiums or land property etc. Attend Product Knowledge Seminars on every developer on each project you want to promote in order for you digest all the information and complete details of each projects you will promote. Check which developer can give you nice incentives and bonuses in every sales you closed. Make a website of your own if you're familiar with online selling...that's few of the basic I followed... ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]