After beginning the renovation we discovered every investor’s worst fear, a FOUNDATION ISSUE.

He meets at a place I'm very familiar with, so I know right where to go.I haven't begun my wholesaling business yet but am laying my foundation with learning so that I don't make a costly mistake out of the gate - I reeeeaaallly cannot afford that.

The selling agent said that a structural engineer inspected the property about a year earlier and said that the issue was minor and mostly cosmetic and that the issue could be fixed with a French drain and sump pump.My question is, should I hire a structural engineer to inspect the foundation before I make an offer, which is roughly $750, or go ahead and make the offer with a "subject to" clause in case the repair work is more than we estimate?

Time to build the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Two Great reads, I bought both J.

I am currently adding around 700 Sq ft and a foundation.  

Fill in the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Like I said, I love the tree... but the roots causing foundation issues anytime in the next 10 years would really suck. 

Some centers have expansion and contraction issues with the foundation if they are built before a certain time and used a particular type of construction technique. 

However, with a bad foundation behind it, it's a sign of possible woes to come. 

They can also help you make a rehab budget.In my experience, the major things that you are going to want to be aware of are:Structural or Foundation problemsTermites or other wood destroying organismsMoldType and age of wiring (knob and tube, romex, fuse box, 80 amp service, 100 amp service, 200 amp service, is it grounded properly, etc.)Condition, age, and type of plumbing (Galvanized, PVC, pex) as well as water source (city water vs well water)Type and Age of Sewer system (Clay tile sewer line, PVC sewer line, septic, etc.)Pets control issues (bed bugs, roaches, fleas, etc.)Condition of RoofCondition of MechanicalsCondition of WindowsI think those are the most concerning ones.