Second, consider joining a local real estate investment club in your area to network with other real estate investors and professionals locally.

The blogs, podcasts, articles, and forum are excellent resources for you to learn and perfect whatever niche you are pursuing in real estate investing.Also, I would consider joining a real estate investment club in your area and network with other real estate investors and professionals in your area (appraisers, contractors, lenders, title rep, escrow agents, etc.).

If you don't get a personal recommendation, you may want to try the Find-an-Advisor tool from NAPFA.NAPFA is a professional association for fee-only advisors.

If you need referrals for local professionals, let me know. 

I am eager to learn and help out wherever needed.A little about me:I am a professional working in San Francisco.

There are small multi families that are well suited for young professionals or even older families. 

I suggest a professional for help when there is little data.

If occupied, establish a professional relationship with the owner (caution--if listed with another office or agent, be careful not to set on any toes). 

Build professionals around you- Lenders, Title and Escrow, Insurance Agents, General Contractors, RE Agents.

Are there any questions one could ask that could at least give one enough of a feel for the condition of the property to be able to make an educated guess, make the offer, and then adjust from there if necessary after I DO pay a professional to inspect the property?