The most important part is a place that has it all at the same location classroom, pictures and range. Most cut the class a few hours short which is nice. I hear you must do electronic fingerprints now which only two companies are contracted to take them. Registering online with DPS jump starts your packet before the class. I like the class at TDSA in south Dallas if they still do it. One of Brian's guys is also an instructor.
I prefer a high capacity 9mm for the course like Glock or XD. That way you avoid all of the reloading, decocking and safety fumbling otherwise required. I took a class with a guy running a 6rd auto pocket gun. He wasted 20 min loading magazines mid stream. I googled some that teach at a hotel then shoot at Bass Pro Grapevine.