I've been listening to almost all the BP podcasts daily; I've read 2 of the PB books including Starting with Strategy. 

I am so sorry this happened to you.Right now I am into Rich Dad podcasts and books and such.

Stay educated through books, podcasts, local meetups, and online communities like BiggerPockets.

1.Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money and Rookie Podcasts2.Attend the FREE WEBINARS3.Attend a Meetup in Your Area / virtual meet ups4.Purchase the Beginner Books: How to Invest in Real Estate, Set for Life, The House Hacking Strategy5.Peruse the forums!

Read the book "Long Distance Real Estate Investing" by David Greene, then decide if you would like to sign up for an investor academy (which will probably cost hundreds/thousands). 

How can one, who has only rudimentary knowledge in real estate without any boots on ground experience (read a few books), effectively choose a real estate agent?

Also, BP has multiple books on their websites to go in depth of want and what not to do when investing!

However - if you self manage the asset - you're correct that you will have additional responsibilities related to keeping your books fresh, up-to-date, and in order. 

@Tom S.Thank you for the great advice, I will definitely make sure the inspectors check against the code book, its a duplex listed at 69k currently but foreclosure company seems eager to be rid of it, so the price should be fairly flexible.

If I'm doing the work to build direct bookings, I don't want to pay commission on that.