I grew up, live and work in Denver, Colorado, but spent almost a decade away in Boston for school (at Tufts), a startup (now defunct, called Junctions), and then three years afoot exploring the world, taking photos, sailing and leading cycling tours.I am very green in this industry, and am excited by the resources and expertise to be found here at BiggerPockets.

population, household income, crime rates, business sectors, meaning make sure everyone in down doesn't work for just 1 industry, i.e.

Tax sale is my area of expertise and there may be ways to use the tax sale as a negotiating point.

Here is my thought: Because I work full-time in a corporate job, I'm thinking about getting a property manager involved so that as I look at prospective properties, he/she can use their expertise to advise on the kind of rent/maintenance/repairs they would expect at such properties so that I can make informed offers.

I'm also expanding into the flip business but my expertise is wholesaling.

This is a great time to get started Flipping houses my wife and I are doing the same but our expertise is in wholesaling and we love finding great deals for investors.

You can also get a feel for peoples expertise and identify and read profiles of people you may want to connect with.In regards to your family property I  encourage you to really read before you enter into an off market situation.  

Knowing something walking into an attorney's or CPA's office is really needed for several reasons; they may not have the time to go over very basic information or want to charge you for expertise at an elementary level, you'll have better questions to ask, you'll know what a business plan is instead of walking in without a clue, at least present yourself as someone they would be willing to work with.Asking if you need a partner is a shot in the dark, what's your plan, if you're developing a shopping center and you have no experience, absolutely you need assistance, if you're dealing with a tired, motivated landlord trying to sell a $60,000 house, probably not, but you do need an education in the basics of real estate before jumping in!

Commercial properties require a greater expertise than investing in sfr and also a different expertise.  

Love all the info and great people willing to lend their expertise.