hi jeff. you check with the local authorities on everything. first, go see the city treasurer. make sure the assessment shows that the house is worth what you will be paying. then, usually in the same building, talk with the code enforcement officer. they usually know about any issues with any house in their area. he or she can give you all the ugly details about the house and usually let you know when it was last occupied. next, go to the utility companies and ask when the power was last on, when was the gas last turned on, and when was the water last turned on. if it has not been a long time, chances are, things are ok. the only way you are gonna find a water leak is to have water flowing thru the pipes. same for electric. once it is turned on, any issues will show themselves. same with gas. turn it on and see what leaks and what doesn't. water has a main shut off valve, usually by the meter. if any leaks show up, just turn it off and fix the issues. gas has the same thing. usually right on the gas meter is a shut off. if anything leaks, turn the gas off and fix the leak. with electric, thats a different deal. usually the only way to shut off the electric completely is to pull the meter. but, if there are any electrical issues when you have it turned on, shut off the main breaker in that main service panel and fix the issues. its not as complicated as you would think. do your homework and you should be fine

Feel free to jump in the community here and also take advantage of the treasure of knowledge here.

I just got an inspection done on a property where the inspector believes there are major foundation issues (cracks, bowing interior, ineffective DIY metal posts in basement).

Look to unresolved findings for recovery with the treasurer and also search the attorney generals complaints.

On my first multi property investment, 6 units in a c class neighborhood, 2 are vacant, one I had evicted before closing as part of the deal, he was 4 months behind, the other moved out, the units all need to updated and renovated, they have good bones but neglected for many years, they are two brick buildings, both with a new metal roofs.  

I'm in metal fabrication and been blue collar my whole life.

Geocaching is a GPS treasure hunt hobby where you find items (from ammo boxes to film canisters, always with a log, sometimes with loot to exchange) hidden based on coordinates and clues.

Chris, with self-directed Solo 401k plan you have virtually limitless investment opportunities, from real estate investing, to being private lender, investing in tax-liens, precious metals, and much much more.

I checked the treasurers office website and while the house seems to be owned free and clear, taxes have not been paid for 6 yrs. .

I had a passion for investing which led me to starting my own commodities fund (grains, energy, precious metals).