Hi there!

I'm Will from Portland OR, (but soon to back to college in the california bay area). I've never ridden before, planning on getting into riding in the near future. I will (hopefully) soon be buying a 1997 Ducati Monster 750 and taking the MSF as well. Any tips on what to look for when buying these bikes (with 24k miles), without being able to actually ride it?

Welcome!  Maintenance records would be good.  It should have its belts replaced every 2 years or so, oil changed at least once a year or ever 2-3k miles, check that the tires aren't too worn down or cracked, a valve adjustment within the last 7k miles would be a plus, but mostly just look at the overall condition, how well its been treated and cared for.

I'm in Portland this week for business, my first time in this city.  Seems really nice 

Portland is a cool place, lots of stuff to do and really green compared to the east-side of Oregon.  Enjoy the bike, I've got a '00 and it's been a good bike and easy to maintain, the tutorials on this forum and www.ducatisuite.com have helped me dive into the easy stuff and keep her running good.

Aren