Inspection missed HUGE defect-- what now?

[Ryan Swigart]

I closed on my 3rd property this march with the strategy of a live in BRRR. When I was walking through it prior to closing I saw evidence of termite from the past: old bait traps around the house and minor damage spots in the basement rafters and in the corner of the living room.

So, I speak to my realtor about it and he orders a termite inspection. I sent him picture of the damage i had found so he could point the inspector in the right direction. The report came back with some very small parts in the floor and garage but didn't include the spots I have mentioned. We got the spots treated for $750 (seller paid for it), so i thought everything was good.

2 months into the rehab I found severe termite damage while tearing out drywall in the spot i had sent my realtor a picture of and it the downstairs bathroom on a load bearing wall which will probably end up costing me thousands.

I should've done better due diligence, however, I am not an inspector and thought I was covering myself by getting it inspected/treated prior to buying. My question is where do I go from here? Try to hold the inspector responsible? the seller for probably knowing it had damage? Or just bite my tongue and learn from the mistake?

I'd really appreciate thoughts from everyone- thanks!

[Dawn Brenengen]

@Ryan Swigart The termite inspector should have been the most knowledgeable in this scenario, but like Aaron said, if it was behind a wall, there is no way to have known without tearing down the wall