Setting Up A Private Server

[jimbop]

I need some direction on setting up a private server. So far, I have used five different guides, yet clients have not yet successfully been able to connect to the server. I have compiled source code just fine with no errors, uploaded all maps and quests fine with no errors, the server connects perfectly to the database with no errors, and I can notice nothing wrong initially with the server startup. I also made sure to modify eqhost.txt to read localhost:5598 since I have EQ Titanium installed. What are the best recommended guides to follow currently since it seems every guide is outdated in some form? I am growing highly frustrated piecing together bits and pieces from five different guides and dozens of posts on the message boards.