I sold all my SFR rentals in that markets as collecting rent and keeping houses in good shape was just too tough.. ( thats jackson proper)  as I said madison and Ridgeland will be fine..

Has anyone had good experience with Furnished Finder in your market or if in Houston even better?

There's no real hard and fast way or only 1 way or doing your first 2 points. your subject line suggests you're not looking to go to a large shop like a JLL or a CBRE which honestly I don't blame you those offices are usually pretty bloated.As far as monthly costs, if you are going to individually get a costar or other such license you are probably looking at $500-$1000 a month pretty easy in overhead once you have office dues, mls dues, marketing, etc. 

I would recommend you focus on a couple neighborhoods that you would like to live in; and familiarize yourself with that market.  

Excited to hear more about your projects and experiences.What markets are you focusing on for your flips and buy-and-holds?

I did not see marketing costs, nights that you need to spend at networking meetings paying for dinners or memberships.

Are you looking at investing in Birmingham or other markets?

Would love to network with some people to get to know the area and the market a little better, as well as to hear about your experiences.

Not sure why owners invest in rentals, yet do very little research on market conditions!

You're in a strong rental market, and house hacking a small multifamily in Phoenix is a smart way to build wealth.