Again; typically a one day job. 

I am interested in real estate because my parents have some experience with rental properties and I am hoping to avoid the 9-5 job when I graduate (or at least avoid working for someone else for too long).

All right, I'm going to offer an opinion on an issue that no one seems to be addressing, which is the number of "home improvement" projects you've identified that look to be done incorrectly and/or in violation of code.  

You can find all the contractors you need -- just go to Lows or Home Depot 5:30 in the morning and talk to the folks buying material for their next job - negotiate Charles 

Ideally, I'd like to get bids before I place an offer in order to have a good handle on the rehab costs and place my offer accordingly, but on the other side of the coin, I could potentially place offers on many different properties before having one accepted, all the while I'm getting bids from contractors for which the job for them doesn't materialize.Or, do I visit the properties myself and with my agent, make an very rough estimate of rehab costs, make an offer based on the estimate, and then bring contractors in for bids *after* getting the property under contract, then potentially renegotiate the offer price if the bids come in higher than estimated?

As soon as you close do it comfortably on an improved property get the exterior door locks changed.  

The neighborhood is a little rough but should be coming around in the next few years as things are improving here in S.

I do have a full time job if that answers your question.

Feel free to message me for his contact info.He's helped me out on some investment transactions there and has done a terrific job.

It was difficult at first to find someone willing to do the smaller jobs.