Nobody can tell you whether its “worth it”. You have to think about what the experience, time, cost, etc. would be like on the alternatives and decide.
As for TAG, opinions differ. If you spend 2 full years at a CC there is no doubt you are eligible for TAG. I happen to believe you are even with 1 year at a CC, others differ, and nobody actually trying it ever posts the outcome. For a recent discussion see http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/uc-transfers/1996095-do-all-30-units-have-to-be-taken-at-a-ccc-for-tag-p1.html
People have many ideas in mind when they say “do research” and I don’t know what yours are. Is it just work for a place doing research as a relatively low-level employee? Is it run research programs? Before you commit yourself further you need to ask yourself about your goals and see how feasible they are. The standard for those actually running research programs in the sciences is a PhD, and there’s a glut of them (as a few minutes online will show you) so even then a job is by no means assured. With just a BS/BA your opportunities are far more limited.