I would suggest starting with this great free guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingAs @Rob Scarborough mentioned above the podcasts are an amazing source of information as well.Good luck with BOTH of your new endeavors!!!!

Being a flipper I have some very cheap sources for appliances, fixtures and finishing touches that will put this house into a  luxury look for a mid level price point.

They are great sources of info!

Likely they are having to split that fee with the company they are with or lending source.

Smaller community banks are a good source, although some are reluctant to work with out-of-state owners.It looks like Realtor.com is starting to put all the MLS listings out there, but a good local investor/agent is your best resource for the MLS.For every property, you should be doing a title search, and buying owners title insurance.

@John O'Keeffe Welcome to the community sir.Quite honestly, you have already found THE BEST source of information right here on BP.Sure, there are other sits and Youtube channels that offer some education, BUT by far BP has the most densely pack information in all of the internets ( 'Murica)Good luck!

Being former military, I'm probably most familiar with the Killeen area, but have also been growing roots in the Georgetown area. 

I would definitely use the position as a secondary source of income (aside from just working my own deals), and I'm sure having your finger on the pulse of values, buyer preferences, neighborhood nuances, etc. is also a huge help.Do you guys feel you get better access to better deals from being an agent?

You get the goodadvice - check out the forums, read to for information you never knew you need, ask for help you desireBackground/Research- check out the Blogs - tons of good information and with many storesTV programs - Podcasts- great source of storiesInformation on unique niches- Check out those who's philosophies you enjoy signatures.

They are not cheap, but are good sources of $$$ to get you started.