Working in brass for casting

Hello All- Novice here- (i wonder when the day will come when I
don’t feel the need to say that…)I am thinking of making some
elements for jewelry and having them cast. I work in Sterling. The
company who I would send my work to mentioned that brass works really
well for casting. I like this idea as I imagine it would be much less
expensive. Can brass be treated just like silver- rolled, forged,
drilled embossed? Can I use my silver solder on the brass? Also- can
I get at the local hardware store? Are there different types of Brass
that I need to know about? Thanks in advance- you guys are great- Cherie