Plumber errors, possible fraud, misrepresentation?

[Gabe E.]

Seeing if anyone may have run across a similar situation or knows of a next step. I purchased a SF rental property through a wholesaler. Invoices were provided to me showing previous foundation work with warranty. The plumbing invoice showed very clearly that a full static plumbing test was performed and that the house had all new piping with no indication of leaks. Both companies had the previous owner's signature on them. I know I should have hired my own crew to double check but the invoices were extensive and I had researched the companies - enough to move forward with the deal.

I close on the property and during the remodeling phase I find out from another investor that they used the very same plumber and found that he had missed many leaks when he had tested their property before buying.

I decided to order a second report camera test (a month later from the previous plumbing report) from a reputable plumbing company as to the integrity of the plumbing under the slab of my new rental. The independent plumbing report showed the exact opposite of the first report. It showed disconnected piping under the slab, failed static tests, and that $11k worth of work would need to be done to repair the problem – to include tunneling and reconnecting piping.

My question is, do I have any recourse here? I understand it wasn't me that hired the initial plumber who provided the (in my opinion, bogus) report. The 2 reports are only 30 days apart; but they are drastically different. So 2 different properties inspected by this plumber and both wrong. Major incompetence on them, again, along with my HUGE oversight. I haven’t yet contacted the initial plumber because I anticipate they will just brush me off here. I spoke with an attorney and they mention they will need to do more research, but might have a case. Of course im looking at close to $1k retainer fees to get the ball rolling. Any suggestions?