Larry,
Do me a favor and get my e-mail from Jack so we can talk more at length, but yes there are some firms that will let you trade with their money, if that is what you are asking. A guy in my office did that at one point. I however am at a private firm where I have worked at building a book of clients for the last couple of years. Cold calling and such is how I did it. The most important thing right now for you is to get licensed. Series 7, and Series 66, and insurance are what you need. Some firms will pay you a better salary to start, but commission sucks. I started with no salary and better payout, Was brutal, but had wifes paycheck and am now just finally starting to do well. Greatest business in the world in my eyes and would never want to do anything else.
Shoot me an e-mail sometime if you want advice or have questions. Also might be able to give you a contact in Chicago at some point if you like. It is gonna be tough to go the route you are talking about, and am not as familiar with that career as the one i am taking.
