Contingencies are verbiage in a contarct giving you, teh buyer, an "out" of the contarct for a specific reason such as:This purchase contract is contingent upon buyer's physical inspection.This contarct is contingent upon buyer's third partyu financing.This contarct is contingent upon buyer's attorney's written apporval.Etc. etc. etc.

You may not remember much from Physics class, but how on earth would you have learned that science wasn't ideal for you without actually learning something about it first?

What I don't like about it is that it feels physically isolated (being tucked in between Mount Olivet Road and New York Avenue) and has less access to public transportation (no metro or trolley).

This will help you since you could gather info and run your numbers on them. look at your options on paper then look at the physical pros and cons.

I work in a profession that is physically demanding and I am well aware of the toll that it will take on my body long term.

You said your family lives there, but if you're not physically able to be there and oversea operations that could be a "make or break deal."

Give them the required notice to enter their unit for a physical inspection of the property and go in. 

is an issue is when it's a business that requires your physical presence. 

I dont use a physical map but it can be very good in learning the area, do look ups of each of  your zips, and sections and record the median sale values so you have the ranges quickly available.

You don't have to physically make a trip down there.