Timing for offers for long distance investor

[Ben Nevid]

Hi-

I am a new investor, investing out of market (I sit in NY, investing in IN and KC).  My challenge so far is that while I am trying to get up to speed on a neighborhood/area, and get an estimate of costs that need to go into getting a house rent-ready, I am losing out on the chance to offer.  

Do you recommend I make an initial offer before getting a contractor (or even my realtor) through the house, and then deal with it when dealing with inspections?

Thanks!