Don't let any one article dissuade you- identify risks, and figure out whether they're legitimate.

I've educated myself on the market, scoured the forums, and identified potential areas and even some potential properties on the MLS.   

Visiting your market and identifying neighborhoods is a great first steps.

But my question is how does a new investor without a builder/contractor background identify potential properties? 

The important required disclosure is that you identify yourself as CONTRACT OWNER.  

Identify alternative strategies of finding properties but stick to your goals. 

I have been using schooldigger.com to identify multifamily properties near better school districts.Also, as I wrote that last question, wouldn't you want a certain level of turnover to facilitate renovations and increase in rents?

Identify your markets and submarkets, just saying anywhere as long as it's a good deal is risky. 

If the family hasn’t opened the estate, search for the obituary, which will identify next of kin. 

Until I get down there to explore the area I'm having trouble identifying exactly which areas to focus on.