Class A and B airspace is a pain. Skirting TCA's or flying a TCA corridor is one of the most stressful things you'll ever do. When I got my license in the 60's this was not the case. It was quite easy to fly out of or into even the most busy airports, like SFO, but that long ago ended.
Not sure it still exists, although I'm sure it must, but I flew the VFR corridor over LAX a couple of times, three times I think, once as PIC, (Pilot In Command). It's a barrage of radio chatter and you end up sweating from stress like you're 4,000' below playing football in the Coliseum on a 100 degree day.
I'm surprised plane rentals are not in your area... are you sure? I believe Texas is one of the leading states for general aviation. I helped ferry some crop dusters purchased in Texas back to Calif... great fun. While there it seemed every rancher and/or farmer had their own personal plane. - JamesJM
