Ready to purchase my first rental property - picking the right one

[Clarence Mungo]

Hi everyone, I am not certain this belongs in the beginner's forum or here, but here go's.  I am finally in position to purchase a rental property in the Baltimore area. I have gone out with a realtor to view some properties and being a novice, with minimal home repair knowledge, I am concerned about accurately determining the costs associated with repairs that may have to be made on the property to get the unit ready for rental. Would a general contractor be suited for this task?  The next question is what would I expect a contractor (if that is the right person to use for this) to charge me for this type of assessment?  Thanks in advance!