Bare bones home inspectors?

[Mike D.]

In my area full blown home inspections run about $450 and take half a day.

Have you found any inspectors that offer a pared down inspection routine for much less? For example they check the roof, foundation, sewer lines and nothing else? I don't need or want to be told that one of the appliances is not working when I am getting a significant discount as an investor. 

[Marcus Auerbach]

No, because that's a liability issue for the inspector, so if they are professional, they do all or nothing. $450 is actually pretty cheap. 

I don't pay for inspections on my personal acquisitions, but I also have the experience and risk tollerance. Sounds like what you are looking for is a scope of work. Minus the sewer scope, that is actually not even part of a regular inspection.

So you have two choices: if you have the experience, then DIY. If you don't and you are worried about saving $200, then absolutley pay for a full inspection. Many of the "small issues" will be in the thousands and add up quickly.