That is not  meant as a criticism, simply that is not what they specialize in. 

Knowing what upgrades an area needs or areas of special attention.

I know what I want to specialize in and I guess I just would appreciate some guidance and direction for someone like me that is starting out.

In most cases, these are accountants not specializing in real estate, though. 

Here is my approach to finding an area:I search by zip code and filter for zip codes where the population grew and the unemployment rate declined in the past 5 years.For the left-over zip codes, I look for low price-to-rent ratios.

There are a number of building code requirements in order to create a unit.  

It is a 3 bdm 2 ba but we can only rent the bottom floor for nightly rentals due to narrowness of the stairway (fire code) so we've been debating renting the whole house on a monthly basis instead.

Codes, insurance, etc.

Not a pretty twinplex with the “Home Depot special” rehab already done, but a “handyman special” in a rougher part of town.

P.S A bit off topic but if you decide to house hack check out special mortgage options for doctors.