For my clients, in every city I am set-up in I have an agent who pulls all the comps and writes up an opinion on the value based on size, area, finishes, market. 

Im based in Rockville 

Each class you need to take is based on the required knowledge for the next class(s). 

Does that sound reasonable based on your experience?

I handle St Augustine/Ponte Vedra/Palm Coast but can certainly help with Jacksonville and based on your goals there may be other opportunities to explore.To cover off insurance from previous comments, the market has changed and it is competitive with new carriers entering the market. 

However, I shudder at the popular suggestion to sell some of your investments for tax purposes, often coming from commission-based brokers and financial advisors.

DSCR will help if you are tapped out of conventional loans and you don't qualify for a traditional loan based on your personal DTI.

For my question for anyone willing to share: What are some networking or marketing strategies that have worked well for you in building a client base as a new agent? 

I would look at private money lenders who can consider giving your a line of credit based on a multiple of the cash you have. 

Also the 1% rule is about as good as the rule thumb and not based on current conditions or current data.