.- Found the experience favorable.Google definitely gets your foot in the door, but I prefer the responses here than those on the general web. 

You might get the wrong contractors, the wrong property manager, you might even get the wrong lender so your money is stuck and you can't refinance out.If you can do your first deal in your backyard, then that will be preferred.

Most of these homes in my area have carpet in the bedroom and I know a lot of people, approx 18-30 years old, prefer hard surface flooring.

Closer to Long Beach is preferred, but not absolutely necessary. 

I'd prefer to leverage equity in my current holdings if possible.

For example if the inheritance is in the form of a diversified stock portfolio consisting of blue chip stocks being managed by a trusted brokerage, she should leave it there and if anything divert dividend payments only to other investment vehicles she prefers or to pay off high interest debt, but not touch the principle.

There are many issues you will face, and having a trusted team including a professional CPA, banker and attorney (all preferably in real estate themselves) will give you a huge advantage.

Preferably want to move to Washington state.

Something has come up and I would prefer a recommendation from someone rather than just googling.

Preferably someone on the west coast.