But I also plan on going to the home when I am off work to enjoy it myself.

I currently have a few clients asking me for a local handyman recs ( for small ongoing repairs on windows, cabinets, etc.), but my husband handles this sort of work on our own properties so I don't have an established pro relationship to pass along. 

Go street by street, recording and photographing anything that looks interesting to you: abandoned properties, fsbos, ongoing rehabs, and anything else that gets your attention and that might put you in touch with a motivated seller or buyer.

I mean some that actually care to buy real estate, and keep it an on going project knows what holding on to real estate means.

I just moved to a new city and was planning on going alone to meet with sellers, see their property, and discuss offers.

Many times sadly enough the homeowners at times welcome the day because to them it is a sort of resolution to a long on going problem.

If you do it on an ongoing procedure than you will build a safety net into your plans.

I was also wondering if the presence of effective public transportation 2 minutes away will influence the price upwards more, with gas prices as they are (we pay close to 6$ a gallon here) and looking like they will keep on going up.

With "Determination of Heirs" cases it is usually an ongoing battle because there is no will on file.. don't waste your time with these estates OR Dependent administrations either.Hope some of that helps.

I fully intend on going to work when its raining.Neil