You can do a simple web search to find brokerage firms that will hang your license for a flat fee verse a % of every sale/purchase but you won't get much assistance from them and I am not sure exactly how "legal" all that is.Other things to consider, 1) there is a fee to have access to and be able to list on the MLS, 2) I think the state requires you to carry or it would be a very good idea to carry Errors and Omissions insurance commonly called E&O insurance 3) if you plan to tour properties, you will need to get those electronic keys that agents have and I am guessing there is an annual fee associated with that.Those are the big ones I can think of off the top of my head.

Keep going, lots to learn and plenty of resources here.

Moved to the Midwest (Columbus, OH) to get some experience in Human Resources under my belt right out of college and just moved back to the Reno area after almost 3 years out in Ohio.

That is actually not a huge deal and can be tackled with resourcefulness and education.

I also believe in the longer-term upside of the neighboring city and am excited about the potential equity growth there.I'm curious, for those of you who have invested from afar like this--what single resource or piece of advice will made the biggest impact on my success investing in another city?

It was an outlier in my investing strategy and no longer fit my profile.The goal was to make it as neutral as possible while using a modern color scheme.New floorPaint - Walls, Shower, counter top, fire place.New bathroom Updated the master bath New appliances It listed it and sold it on MLS in 5 days with multiple offer over asking.

Investors will almost always pay more if rented (for top dollar). 

It is a tough read when treating it like a regular book, but as a resource it is good.

To top it off we have 5 children with the youngest 2 being adopted.

As you mentioned it has tons of resources and even more great people to connect and speak about real estate!