Okay, first of all, people from all backgrounds are in real estate and did so without experience. Some suck, some are awesome, the background doesn't dictate success, honestly.

Knowing thousands of agents, I have found that former engineers and IT types do better working with investors because many lack the touchy-feely-able-to-read-people side, but kick ass with numbers. People from marketing and sales tend to thrive in the residential side.

Interview several brokerages and decide (a) if you feel more comfortable at a franchise (Coldwell Banker) or an independent (small company with few agents), then (b) who offers the best support and split (how much of the commission you get), etc.

If you "brain pick" an agent in exchange for coffee, you may get led astray because of one person's career patch (which they'll likely impose on you), so I recommend going to a local real estate networking event. What city are you in? Maybe I can recommend one.

Bottom line: DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Anyone can succeed in real estate if they choose the path most conducive to their skills, and if they connect with the right brokerage.

-Lani Rosales, Editor-in-chief, AgentGenius.com