In my opinion it's best to operate from a position of knowledge. I'd suggest you actually talk to the people in each state and discuss requirements as well as options. Each state can be quite different. You may have more options that you think. In Arkansas it is not that hard to become a certified NPIP inspector yourself.
Is a certified NPIP inspection enough? In some states maybe, others certainly not. Also NPIP requirements can be different in different states. In some states pullorum may be enough for NPIP. Some states may require avian flu. Others may have other requirements.
NPIP was initially set up to combat pullorum, which used to be fairly common. It's one of those government programs that has worked, pullorum is now pretty rare.
Is a certified NPIP inspection enough? In some states maybe, others certainly not. Also NPIP requirements can be different in different states. In some states pullorum may be enough for NPIP. Some states may require avian flu. Others may have other requirements.
NPIP was initially set up to combat pullorum, which used to be fairly common. It's one of those government programs that has worked, pullorum is now pretty rare.