What are the pros and cons? 

I’ve visited every other property I’ve considered in the past, so this is uncharted territory for me, and it feels a little out of my comfort zone.I’m considering putting it under contract sight unseen to lock it up, but I don’t want to make a rookie mistake here.I'm looking for some advice here.

One of the areas we see investors needing the most design help in is bathrooms.

I don't know the Baltimore market but have a friend who is a very savvy investor there and maybe he would do some coaching to help you understand which way is up.

Or what are other tips to start gaining traction from the beginning? 

You may want to look up Stacy Patel with Golden Handshake Capital.

Knowing which subs go deer hunting , fishing , will or wont work weekends , which ones are tied up on longer jobs , etc .

And then shut up until they talk.

I haven't kept up on the most recent happenings.

Outside of West Oakland, what areas would you say are likely to go up in value over time - what pockets/neighborhoods are you looking at?