Get a little closer to Boston and there is the awesome Black Diamond meeting that @Ann Bellamy runs and the Boston Area REIA.

You have to inspect the home check the comps to know where you're at so you don't take a loss.

Sitting on a double lot, 800 ft deep with a 40x60 barn, we had an investor very interested.It kept dropping until it bottomed at $59,900 & he had 3 offers but conv financing balked at the repairs & the mechanicals kept failing the inspections.

Does a home inspection come first before a contractor to estimate repair costs?

Once I got over the picky inspections it's been smooth sailing.Overall, if you're a good screener, you shouldn't have a problem.

Well upon inspection and after I received the rule book the exterior has not been taken care of at all.

Regarding repairs for example, if there are damages caused by the tenant, you should point those out to the inspector when he/she does the annual re-inspection.

What I understand is that the city may not turn on the water unless they are allowed to come into the home to inspect the plumbing first.

I know down here in South Florida it is not going to happen.The market is so tilted, that in many cases, cash offers with waived inspection are the only ones being considered.

Depending on your experience a building inspection might make sense.