If your realtor doesn't understand how to spot these items and doesn't understand the costs of repair/remediation, they're not experienced enough to support a legitimate real estate investor, and you'd be well-advised to find a more experienced agent.2. main inspection by an experienced, licensed/certified home inspector --a lot of this ends up cross-validating what the initial inspection revealed, but in some cases the main inspection has revealed items that we missed on the first pass, but which would have cost me tens of thousands if not spotted during the main inspection.3. scope the sewer line to inspect its condition--this can easily end up saving you tens of thousands.4. meth test.A lot of inexperienced people skimp on the DD (often because they're too cheap to pay for the inspection services).

Example, if you knock on a door as an investor, while revealing you're an agent also, you can make whatever deal you like, as long as it's legal.

Most of the times owner's do not reveal their contact information, the only way to connect with them is through agent.For pricing issues, you can check with zillow estimate.

Get some clarity on your long term goals with your wife and once you do, the strategy will likely reveal itself. 

Dear BP Friends,We are seriously considering signing a lease with a tenant who is a teacher from Spain.He is here for a one year contract teaching at a local elementary school which we know and respect.We understand there is not a way to run a credit check and background check as he is just recently entered the U.S.We understand he will provide his new ss# and passport.However our real estate agent tells us an NTN check may not reveal any useful data, as there will be no previous addresses or history in the U.S. as he only arrived here last month.

Immediate inspection by plumbers revealed alarming deficiencies: a completely butchered and improperly installed kitchen sink and piping leading to a clogged and deteriorated stack, and more importantly, a severely rusted, cracked, and leaking sewage line that needed to be replaced from the stack to the street.

In our area, If you have a home with a dirt or gravel crawl, especially split levels, you could almost guarantee without a radon mitigation system the levels would be higher than the EPA guidelines.In my experience the presence of a system, or the need to install a system as a result of a home inspection has not had an impact on the sale price of any of our properties.The last property we sold, the buyers inspection revealed elevated radon levels.

Or is it better to just let them answer those questions on the application and decline them if their answers reveal otherwise?

Then, when rates come back down in 1-2 years, you could refinance and improve your rate and payment a bit, maybe even get enough money out of the refi to pay off your roof debt.If this house is not in an appreciating area, or if the inspections reveal more necessary repairs than you can stomach, then maybe it's time to sell.

They not too discreetly revealed their agency and reason for being there.The home owner also confirmed to whom he rents.