What do I need before I make an offer.

[Andy Ballester]

I want to make an offer on an owner occupy 4 unit, Obviously I need pre approval letter which I have, also offer is 15% lower than asking price. Im thinking a verbal offer may not go to the seller, so I always here put it in writing, does the sellers agent have a form to put it in writing, do I need a real estate lawyer to write it up for me, if so what are a real estate lawyers typical fees. Just want to be prepared and atleast make it look half way like I know what I'm doing. As an owner occupy I have a job which keeps me out of town quite a bit, should I find a property manager, before hand in case of acceptance of the offer. Also I have a friend who is a general contracter definitly not a home inspecter is it acceptable for him to bring along and look at property before I get a home inspection. Just want to know what put it in writing actually means, Im sure a post it note would not suffice. Thx all at BP.