Regarding an attorney, it depends what you're looking to speak with them about - i.e. entity structure, partnerships, property acquisition, contract terms, etc.Anything related to a property or a deal can wait until the week of (sometimes the day before) contract review.For starters, I would recommend attending local investor meetups.

I’m considering buying a duplex and renting out one half while my girlfriend and I attend college.

Knowing the market usually involves going out there, understanding what people like, meeting with people, running or attending networking events, among other things. 

On average, I have attended double to triple the required minimum of one daily live office hour per week.

@Ben Van Gorp is there a meet up local to your area you can attend?

I have attended a few of their virtual meetups and have enjoyed it so far.  

The place is clean not attended.

You were smart to not go any higher, you had a number that you were good with.I suggest you continue to attend auctions, make sure you do your research first, try to talk to the owner or lender, find out what they need. 

I constantly preach about attending meetups, staying active on blogs and following local investors on instagram.

Also highly recommend attending in-person meetups!