Remote Investing: How to know if the property is in good shape?

[Brad Brazier]

If I'm wanting to buy a property on the other side of the country, how I can find out if the property needs a lot of repairs or is in good shape? Do I need to hire an inspector to check it out and also would someone selling their house just let me send an inspector over to check it out, I'm not sure what the common practice is in this situation, thanks in advance for any help!