. - i like to think I’m pretty handy, I’m am a retired mechanical engineer.

If you are not touching mechanicals then there won't be an inspection until you go to sell or refi to put a renter in there. 

The basement also houses all of the mechanicals usually, so you would be sleeping with the furnace and hot water heater.

You will want the full set of plans: elevations, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, floor plan with signatures and seals.For the mini split, some recommendations: If you're going to use 2 heads (one for living room, one for bedroom), get 2 separate single zone outdoor units (not a multi-zone).

Just trying to think through the mechanics of how this will actually play out.  

There are definatly some bad contractors out there , jut like any other business , car dealers , flippers who cut corners , mechanics , etc .  

If these are the problems you're having in REI, you're not fit for REI.This is why the cash flow only mechanism of investing will rear it's ugly head.

@Jarrett FogelmanFrom someone who works directly with solar companies and designs/installs mechanical systems.

It's also critical the current GC and all subs are paid and you obtain lien waivers for the work that was completed to avoid any mechanic lien issues. 

I thought at first glance that those were just mechanical.