...real estate license? I'm wondering if I can just study Oregon Real Estate law or do I have to pay big bucks for school first?

most states require you to have so many class hours before taking the board exam. each state is different. contact your state to find out the requirements

If you're concerned about the cost of educating yourself for this business, this is not the business for you. Not only will you need to initially fund this business to get started, the cost is constant to both run the business AND to continually educate yourself as is state-mandated throughout your real estate career. Do your homework and you'll see what I mean.

I do not know of any state that does not have a mandatory class requirement. And Brenda is right if you are so adverse to spending "big bucks" to take the class then I would suggest a different career.