Foundation Issues ~ When to get a structural engineer in?

[Sam Koenig]

I am in the Madison, WI area and a new to real estate! Recently there was a foreclosure put on the market. From my unprofessional eye, the foundation looks respectable after walking the property. My question is, when in the timeline would you bring an engineer to get it professionally inspected? Obviously a major foundation issue would be a deal breaker and the numbers wouldn't work. Do you put in offers before knowing the condition of the foundation or is this where contingencies come into play after an offer is accepted from the bank? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!