Hello, I am a beginner bonsai artist, and I just purchased my first one after months of research! I want this to go as successful as possible, so I want to start out on the right foot. I would like to perform an examination of the tree to make sure it's in the best condition it can be in. What should I look out for? Thanks! P.S. It's a Golden Gate Ficus

A golden gate ficus? Did you buy it at Walmart?

What should I look out for?

Wouldn't it have been a much better idea to ask that before buying it?

I'm not really sure what you mean with 'what should I look out for'? You did not include a photo, so I guess you want general guidelines what to look for in the tree. But "haven't you done months of research"? What is your specific question?