A consultant by NAR definition is a holder of the CRE designation, “counselors of real estate”.  

I'm looking for a Brokerage that isn't affiliated with the NAR.

If I remember correctly, it’s around $900/year for the NAR fees and mls.63 hour initial course, 45 hour course within a year and a half, 14 hours CE every two years after.

You will still have NAR fees and MLS fees yearly about 900-1100.  

Luckily for all of us NAR just increased the number of hours needed to get your license and to renew it so with a higher barrier to entry, I think we'll start seeing some of the bottom of the barrel agents/would-be agents unable to acquire/maintain their license.

Because lenders typically use 45-50% of your income for your det to ratio to qualify for a mortgage payment. 

There are expenses that people don't always think about, if your brokerage requires you to be a member of the NAR, that's about $650/yr, your key fob is $25/mo, MLS dues $250 quarterly, required CE courses to keep your license and renewal every 2 years, brokerage fees, etc. 

Two questions: (1) Do I have to join NAR to access MLS?

If btokers, agents and the NAR do not want fsbos on the mls, they should keep the brokers and agents off Craigslist and other lists like it!

The manager may also be a member of a professional organization like NAR or NARPM that include a code of ethics.