I have a good home inspector, because I do NOT crawl under houses or go up on roofs.

It usually includes a maintenance schedule that's binding on the lessee, saying that they must perform inspections (by an independent building inspector) at certain frequencies, and perform all rectification work required within a certain timeframe.

My inspection clause reads as follows:1.Seller will allow buyer and their inspector complete access to the property for a whole house inspection.

I am a Building Inspector in the state of NY and a part time investor.

Then, I call an property inspector to come out and inspect the house.

If you wholesale it usually there won't be a RE agent involved so that means more money you get to keep.Another thing about retailing it, if the RE agent recommends the buyer to get an inspection done and the inspector finds something major and backs out of the deal because of it then you are required to disclose that info to all future potential buyers.

The listing said that it was section8 approved.All houses on the Section 8 program must be inspected by the Section 8 inspector before each new tenant and once per year thereafter.

If you had an actual inspection, the inspector may be able to give you a ball park number that you could use for negotiation.

Should I get the inspector to check it out before?

I would recommend putting contingencies in your purchase contract that protect you such as "subject to property be free of all liens/encumbrances/etc." meaning that clear title can be passed.Using a good house inspector will also help you avoid problems that you would otherwise not see when you go through the house yourself.Getting education and having a mentor will greatly reduce your risk as well since they will be able to let you know what mistakes they had made!