Seeing as you are a new agent I would look towards one that only charges a split as opposed to the monthly fee.

But I have some questions.......1)If my intention is to flip, is there anyway around being considered a dealer as opposed to an investor especially if I don't intend for that to be my primary source of income?

In my area, if you're messing with anything structural, roofing, windows, exterior doors, fencing, electrical, plumbing, etc. you need a permit. 

We aren't far from each other and wouldn't be opposed to working with someone to get something rolling.

The utility room in one of my rentals is in the center of the house without access to an exterior wall.

Asset managers and other more seasoned real estate practitioners quickly recognize an assignable contract, no matter how it was written, and many strongly oppose them out of fear that it will waste time/money.

Our CHA inspection costs range around a few hundred bucks on average but we have a few that cost us $800-$900 every year just because either that tenant is rougher on the property or the property has various exterior areas that need to be painted annually to pass on the chip paint rules(Lead Paint or not).Another thing to understand is tenant portions.

Now, when it comes to the exterior, I go a bit wilder...  ;-)

Listing on MLS: if you have you an agent you work with, you could also do a contingent listing where you will list the property on the MLS but the agent only makes money if they sell it (as opposed to you).

Planning to travel abroad soon and thinking of better solutions for property management opposed to paying a firm 8-10% and eating into cashflow.