For example if I want to go in person on a Friday to bid on properties at the actual auction house (in person... not online).Where could I find the specific properties open for bidding on that particular Friday?

Almost every larger city has an online gis map that provides the info. 

@Christopher FreyA lot of the counties publish the list online.

It was informative and gave me a deeper sense of what I’m doing is leading me on the right path.

I'm looking at houses online and emailed a realtor but there are just so many areas.

I have been looking online and have been unable to find out how long it usually takes for the state to approve a new licensee.  

It's also not easy to find some random forms online for these kinds of projects.

Once you've got the financing lined up, your agent should be able to help you determine the perfect area to find a duplex, analyze rents, crime, etc.But beware, if your agent mostly deals in single family homes and has never worked with investment property like this before they may lead you astray as it'll be the blind leading the blind.Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions about the Sacramento market or investing in general and we'll try to get you pointed in the right direction :-)

I am a newby in real estate investing but have been resesrching obsessively online and reading real estate books aswell as financial motivation type books.

You may also want to take a look at the training, seminars, guru forum before you spend any money on anyone or anything you find in person or online.