Out of state landlords still self-manage their properties as much as they like as this agent is really just there so that the municipality feels like they can reach a real local person when there is an issue.

Nick has the best Data with easy to understand graphs and charts for each City, Area of the big Cities, County, State and whole Country with ReventureApp.com and its free unless you want a personal conversation. 

I haven't personally gone yet because they are usually during a week night around 6-7pm but hope to get to one soon!

It really depends on the condition and if the person smoked indoors and was a heavy smoker.You are going to have to wash all of the surfaces with TSP, chances are you will need to repaint (especially if they've been there for 10 years) and may need to stain block the ceilings before painting. 

Personally If these rules keep investors out or financial trouble, I think they are very worthwhile.

What are the risks if the person isn’t qualified?

I don't know any personally but the Bay Area is such a huge market I'm sure you can find someone.

My best lender when I was active was a private person. 

I am sending mailers, but would rather not list my personal residence or use a PO box.

I have not done this personally but I do have several clients who are in year 1 or 2 of utilizing this strategy.