I have looked at RE for awhile, and now considering being an appraiser as I don't have the financial backing to jump in both feet to RE. Would this be a good side step and a way to build up the funds to ease in?

drealest

The short answer is no. Trust me, becoming an appraiser will not pad your wallet as you study to become a RE agent. Appraisal requirements are tough in the beginning and stipulate training under a mentor for 2,000+ hours before you can even go out on your own (about 2.5 years). During your time as a trainee, the split is typically 50/50 ($350 is average appraisal fee) and most mentoring appraisers aren't taking any trainees right now, due to slow business. Check your state's appraiser license requirements. Many appraisers are bailing out of the business until things pick up again.