Shadowing seems to be a logical step at this point, for a guy who is having trouble getting started, and in turn, I would soon be able to develop my to-do lists/routines/business model...Or maybe I should I try a few ads in the paper & online, bandit signs or postcards to see if I can start getting the phone to ring without spending too much and learn on my own and not waste anymore time?

Am I wasting my time?

I wouldn't bother with it until then - waste of time and money at this point.

For instance, knowing where the load-bearing walls are, knowing what types of tenants the property will attract, knowing the routing of plumbing & condition of the sewer main, knowing how noisy the street is, knowing that the house has a serious settling issue or water diversion problem, and--importantly--knowing how the property could be changed to force appreciation/rent.

Unfortunately there is no “right” answer, and from my personal experience, I spent countless hours calling people on the phon ….inspectors, engineers, contractors, county offices ect.. to get a lay of the lands before wasting anyone’s time. 

I’m not necessarily trying to have immediate cash flow with this, I just have some anxiety knowing that the cities I’m considering buying in will continue to get more expensive and I already have enough for a downpayment so it feels like a waste to not buy sooner than later.

May not make him budge - but he has an opportunity to off-load and make quite a bit of profit (not at market prices though). 

But, I do like the flapper-less provision.Bruce If you have old, deteriorating cast-iron or galvanized waste lines, the inner surface will be far from smooth - pitted in places, with mounds of rust build-up in others, etc.  

I have all this extra time now to waste sleeping or if absolutely necessary looking for new deals.  

Am I wasting my time or do I just need to be patient?