This budget includes a new roof, all mechanical, plumbing, electric, new windows, new garage & significant work to the garden unit.

I think the first line of defense  is contractor contracts, if you say $3000 for plumbing, you should not pay a dime until it is done and water flows from that faucet.

The situation is we're on a slab foundation and trenching is not worth it so we want to keep the plumbing in the same area.

Please let me know what you think.8-plex in a low-income neighborhood, no issues keeping it rented.New elec. and plumbing + some other upgrades like a newer water heater.Tenants pay electric (all metered out), Landlord pays utilities.Gross Rent/Year is around $55,000 ($4583/mo; $572/unit)One unit on the 1st floor could be converted into a store front (I'm thinking small laundromat for the 8-plex?

I have a duplex not on the market and will sell it to you for 75k turn key management in place, producing $1200 a month, $600 year taxes, $900 year insurance, no lawn care needed, fridge 2 year waranty with lowes stove 2 year warranty with lowes for both units less headaches plumbing and electrical is upgraded.

Nothing significant as the major plumbing work had already been taken care of. 

I am unable to inspect the property myself due to work commitments etc so I was seeking advice on a company or type of service that I can have perform a thorough inspection on the property (foundations/plumbing/wiring/roofing) etc to protect myself from major costs later down the track and for my own piece of mind?

Also related question: When an offer gets accepted, would you always suggest bringing in a professional inspector to look for high ticket items like plumbing, electricity, gas, etc?

We spent $35k on our rehab and replaced the hvac, flooring, fixed plumbing leaks etc. but we didn't touch the roof (it is about halfway through its' lifespan) so while I feel it is fair for us to offer to negotiate on that, are we conceding too much by offering to negotiate repairs?

Hi Aryelle, I agree with the bank that you need to know if it is major (i.e. roof, plumbing) or minor (cosmetic) repairs, before you do anything.