Home inspections

[Mark Forest]

It came up in another thread that some of you always have your prospective properties inspected.  

Of coarse I look over each property on my own.  I test the electric for grounding, and examine the main breaker panel for updates.  I look in the crawl space or basement for water or structure issues.  I certainly check the roof.  

If I made my purchase contingent on an inspection by a professional home inspector  the seller will simply go with a buyer that does not require this. To have the inspection done right you would have to have the electric, gas, and water turned on.  I really doubt the bank is going to do that!

I already have to bid over asking to get better houses. I just do not see a professional inspector as being practical. Is this just me?

[Cal C.]

for new investors without experience or a trusted advisor who does it's an absolute requirement IMHO.  However, for experienced investors it's probably superfluous unless it is a large and/or complicated deal.  I think I stopped after 10 or 12 deals.  But it was money very well spent before that.