Who is the right contractor to contact for structural questions?

[Jason Wilson]

Hi, so I have a property that is completely gutted down to the studs, with entire kitchens and bathrooms ripped out(2/1,3/2 - duplex that my father owns outright but is currently unlivable and vacant. He has bad credit, very little cash to begin renovations himself, and is also just beat down physically). I plan to get a hard money loan to fix up the property then refinance and rent out one side while my father lives in the other side. He is getting older and will retire in the coming years, and the cash flow from the one side after the rehabs/refinancing should be good to cover most expenses on the property(PITI and maintenance/etc.).

However, it is an old property and I want to make sure the house is sound before I start the process of applying for the loan and getting renovation bids.  Would regular contractors I hire be able to do a thorough inspection of the foundation and framing?  I have never hired a contractor before, so this is going to be a journey.  I am trying to get all my ducks in a row before I make any moves. Thanks for any info at all!