This will also help you strengthen your knowledge.

I believe this will drive the value as rents are likely to strengthen faster here that in most locations.Any inputs on this deal? 

I suggest you make the offer that you think would make it a good deal for you and in order to strengthen your offer price you can provide the agent with comps that will justify your price.

If at all possible, preserve the existing column and strengthen it, move the duct off to one side and sister the columns on both sides, if it has settled, slowly jack up back to level - slowly here means like 1/8" or 1/4" every few days - look into structural epoxy systems as well.If you are not sure, consult an engineer.

I feel like the more you can understand about real estate only strengthens you as an investor.

Irrespective of that, yes until we strengthen internally we're going to get eaten up.

I am already building financial models and proformas in excel for several 30+ unit projects so I know a little but am still looking for some very solid, base-level knowledge that will strengthen my fiscal foundation. ...other than the "for dummes" books, can anyone recommend other places/sources (aside from BP;)) for good information on such topics?

I think I have strong sales capacity already but I think this will just strengthen it more. 

this was quite common a few years back.. as market has strengthened not as much of an issue.. it also means nothing in that area is selling on MLS so probably renter dominated or turnkey space dominated.. many of my turnkey guys I fund are now putting their properties on MLS to establish the comps.. instead of going through this waste of time and money.. if they are pulling up houses that are not rehabbed then of course the values are different but if there are no comps well then there you go.. rock and a hard spot.

Without proper strengthening, these vulnerable buildings may be subjected to structural failure during and/or after an earthquake.