Once you understand the pieces then work on how they interact w/ each other.

Do you have any suggestions for where to find the specifics on those requirements besides engaging with BDS about a specific address, which is how they seem to prefer interacting?

Is there anyway to make the tenant and myself happy in this interaction?

I joined bigger pockets to network with other investors and hopefully interact with experienced investor who can help shorten my learning curve as I build a portfolio. 

Look forward to interacting with you all!

I suggest you develop a fairly detailed scope of responsibilities for that PM, including how often you expect him to be there and exactly what kind of interactions, inspections, reporting and other activities & responsibilities you expect of him. 

All I can say is, keep reading and interacting on the forums with others.

If you have a talented PM company in place, there shouldn't be too terribly much interaction with your tenants.

How many hours would it take to get general information about dozens of Baltimore neighborhoods through personal interactions?

Even the LADWP is a pain to deal with and anything electric can linger for months if not years in this cityFor that reason, i would recommend to absolutely avoid any interaction with the city unless you do really heavy work that would have significant impact on the appraisal like maybe adding bedrooms and bathrooms or adding lots of square feetThe current system doesn't reward doing the things by the book; you actually will be way ahead doing things on your own and just comply if you get an order to comply one day (very unlikely anyway).