What To Look For When Inspecting A Property?

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hi everyone! 

So I went and looked at my first duplex today with my real estate agent (A property from the MLS) and I know this is going to come off as a dumb question but I wanted to ask what should I be looking for? I mean I know the basics like the design, structure of the building, utilities separtely metered or not etc. But is there a particular list of things you guys look for when inspecting a property?

[Zack Parish]

As a home inspector and investor, I agree with the above broad things to look for, however, I feel that more tangible suggestions would help greatly with potential first time buyers/investors. Here are a few things that will give you a very good idea of how well it's been maintained and updated working from the outside in:
Roof - if you have architectural or composition shingles it will likely be more updated then a house with 3 tab shingles.
Exterior faucets - in areas where the temperature gets below freezing, look for frost free faucets.
GRADING - Look at the landscaping, can't stress this one enough. If it's graded/sloped towards a house with a basement, be very conscious of potential foundation issues.
Interior outlets - 2 prong is old and outdated electrical, not an easy or cheap fix.
Plumbing drain pipes - Plastic/PVC is ideal, cast iron means you will likely have corrosion inside of them and have more maintenance costs involved.
Plumbing supply pipes - PEX and copper are great, I don't suggest CPVC/plastic in areas where temperatures get below freezing.
Interior walls - straight cracks happen, but watch for diagonal cracks coming from the corners of doors and windows.
Heating - if the furnace has a plastic exhaust vent then it's high efficiency, if its metal your heating costs will be higher.
I very good thing to watch for is finding houses that are all electric heat, although tenants may hesitate at it, it's very beneficial for an investor to buy these properties because you will never have to invest in furnaces and AC units, that's a HUGE capital expense savings.

Just a few things I came up with, hope these help!