I ALWAYS recommend a buyer attend the inspection and walk around with the inspector.

Of course, you can hire a local inspector to confirm work is done before final payment, but that all requires some pretty decent process management.

Seller accepted my very low offer because the prior buyer walked away when the inspector informed him the septic was corroded.

They will likely also need to close any access points to satisfy city inspectors that the now capped chimney cannot be used to "vent" anything in the future.You will likely want a demo team that is much cheaper to do the actual demo and haul off, but you need either the mason or an engineer to stipulate how far down they can/should demo, while leaving enough room for the cap to be effective and maintain any structural rigidity into the future to not create more issues.Long story longer, I would call more licensed, insured contractors.  

Also, looking for local recommendations for home inspectors.

Ask your home inspector questions.

I do this actively networking with other investors, sharing content on sites like Bigger Pockets and Think Realty magazine, and building relationships with referral partners like wealth managers.Finally, you have to have the best people working with you from your lender partner, to your property inspector, to your property manager, to your insurance partner, and asset protection and business attorney.

Inspector said the roof should only last 5 more years or so. 

This was after the foundation was given the OK by 2 separate inspectors and occurred due to lack of support under the house, soft soil in Florida, and lack of gutters to disperse rain water from the foundation.

It's also in an area with no building codes or inspectors and we have yet to find anything in the area without visible problems.