The home buying process typically follows these key steps:Assess Your Finances: Review your credit score, savings, and determine how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage payments.Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: Work with a lender to get pre-approved, which gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.Find a Real Estate Agent: Partner with an experienced agent who knows the local market and can guide you through the process.Search for Homes: Browse listings and visit properties that fit your criteria (location, size, price, etc.).Make an Offer: When you find a home you like, submit an offer through your agent, including contingencies (financing, inspections, etc.).Home Inspection & Appraisal: Once the offer is accepted, hire an inspector to ensure the home’s condition and the lender will order an appraisal to verify the property’s value.Secure Financing: Finalize your mortgage by submitting required documents and ensuring the lender clears you for closing.Closing: Sign the final paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home!

But I wouldn’t skip the inspector!

Inspectors can be lazy louts who are just working toward retirement or they can be so picky they fail rentals for the smallest of issues, including dirty drip pans on the stoves and mildew around the tub. 

- You may want to get a home inspector to tell you what needs to be addressed.How will you get any needed repairs done?

Was previous water damage (looked ugly).Tenant was adamant.Gave tenant number to mold inspector.

NEVER buy a property without a thorough inspection by a great inspector that you select and pay for.

In this case, the vendor was a home inspector.

Everytime you talk to an agent ask who their home inspector is.  

Inspections are very good for homeowner buying a primary residence because its a huge purchase in their life and they usually have little knowledge or experience, but many experiencedinvestors myself included feel confident that we will see most anything an inspector would. 

But you need to learn all about landlord/tenant laws, how to do basic repairs, know what average labor and material costs are for common projects. learn about payment systems, how to interview property managers, tenants and handyman services, build a team of realtors, contractors, title, hard/private money lenders, inspectors, appraisers and soooo much more.