To best answer your question, search engines such as zillow redfin and realtor.com combined should get you the same results as MLS. 

I currently work in the steel construction industry as a Project Engineer but I'm looking to switch gears and build a career in real estate.

I've heard about BP from a number of sources including podcasts and the REIA groups I've been attending for the last few month.My interest in investing is 1) to help anyone looking for the assistance of a Realtor in this area with a software engineering background, 2) buy and hold rentals, and 3) crowd funding opportunities.

The assessment may include a civil engineer looking at the feasibility to gravity feed sewer or need for grinder pumps or a more costly pump station, assessing soil types for building suitability, wetland restrictions or conservation area requirements that may affect the buildable area, assessing zoning and municipality temperament for zoning changes, and maybe at an additional cost a soil test for onsite septic if sewer proves to be unavailable or too costly.

I am highly motivated invdividual with full time job as Network Engineer, looking for an experienced people who wants to create a diverse portfolio.Never quite Never fear.

All the inspection reports I have seen have so much disclaimers and waivers on both the liability and scope and extra verbage to recommend hiring a professional plumber, professional electrician, professional structural engineer etc...for each sub section to qualify their findings.Its a quick visual inspection. 

I am a tech nerd and work as an electronic technician but trained as an engineer.

I know in California we do.You can alway get a engineer soil survey.

@Jered Sturm My properties are up in the Marietta area, and I'm getting my PhD in nuclear engineering (just slightly different from real estate, I know).

Many software engineers make $100k a year straight out of school.