I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this, so if not just let me know.

I have been an External for 2.5yrs now for a MF firm. I have been in financial wholesaling for 10 years now. I am looking into becoming an FA but would like to do it in a particular way but not sure how to start.

Ideally I would like to join an independent firm or RIA w/ a team/smaller office. I have experience w/ investments, analysis, model building and public speaking but do not have the experience w/ the operations side of things, or financial planning or interacting w/ clients. So I believe I have more to offer vs someone brand new into the industry but realize I have a lot to learn and no book of business. So that is why I'd like to team up w/someone to learn the ropes, help w/ their lower level clients while growing my own book.

How would you recommend I pursue this? Is this even possible?

I know Wells, ML, MS all have advisor trainee programs but from what I gather the fail rate is pretty high and you are usually in an individual environment. I am also not interested in joining a wirehouse. I have heard RJ has a similar program but do not know much about it.

Thank you in advance for your help!