Alterations to the original building plans, however small, can create risks.In a nearby county, they have inspectors going around town to check for any unauthorized alterations, A co-worker had an old window AC, his wife was tired of not able to open and use that window, opted to buy a through the wall AC.

I know many of us currently rely on spreadsheets and manual checklists, which can be for some tedious process and prone to errors.I’d love to hear from those who are directly involved in the due diligence process—investors, brokers, attorneys, inspectors, you name it.

One "bargain" cost me $30,000 in hidden repairs - don't repeat my mistakes.Build your team early: a realtor, inspector, contractor, accountant, and maybe a property manager.

The one thing I wish I had known on my first deal was to find the pickiest most thorough inspector you can.

I have a house in Toledo, Ohio that I’m trying to get over the line with section 8 inspection.My contractor (who I know and trust) did significant work to ensure the house was up to code.The first scheduled inspection was cancelled by the inspector stating there were too many deficiencies, I endeavoured to reach out for details of the deficiencies but was met with silence and unable to get any info.The second inspection came back with a list of 18 items, some of which I consider petty, such as a small groundhog hole in the backyard.She is also asking for “Front attic window area and front fence needs a full house lead clearance examination by a licensed lead inspector “.

Who, what, when, where and why. side note: Are you having a home inspector walk through before closing? 

You should have an inner circle of people you trust like your Banker, Agent and rely on the inspector to do their job.I have closed on many homes for customers that they did not visit first for example they are living in California buying in Indiana, Ohio, Florida or New York buying in Vegas. 

If you build (via managing a general contractor), you should (ideally) know more about how the property was built than if you bought an existing home--you know what's behind the walls, and ideally you might avoid anything wrong with buying an existing home with issues you and your inspector didn't catch.I understand there's risk to building--it just seems right now that the risk is lower than buying an existing house--a house where you simply cannot know every detail without tearing it down to the studs and doing a complete remodel.

Start with this mobile home inspection checklist.One quick caveat: Going through this list doesn’t preclude hiring a reputable inspector—ideally one with extensive familiarity with mobile or manufactured properties.

Any suggestions on what things to look out for, and or questions to ask contractors and inspectors would be greatly appreciated.Thank you!