I'm having a tough time justifying the 5k for the class. 

Once you renovate and increase the value and rental rates can you justify a refinance?

I am not so sure.One says you need a marketing plan; well, you kind of laid out your marketing plan, to list on MLS - that is about the extent of the marketing plan you'd get from most agents unless you have a really high end property that justifies spending a bunch on marketing.

every state lets you store solar which is just the process of adding a battery, which is super costly and pointless because we are spending too much to justify the ROI unless you are in an area that has blackouts. 

I would plan on keeping your day job and moonlighting as a Realtor till you get busy enough to justify leaving.

Fees should be clearly stated, easy to understand, and justifiable.

Fees should be clearly stated in writing, easy to understand, and justifiable.

The cash flow is good enough to justify a 15-20% fee, the problem is finding someone willing to do it (effectively).

Can I start up an LLC with the wife and justify the business expenses of managing the old property?

My strong advice is to carry as little debt as possible, find the locations with strong future job growth, and buy at the lowest price possible - never assume long term appreciation as a way to justify paying more.