I invest in off market properties and have always been a little worried about going into properties with hidden big ticket problems as the wholesalers dont give enough time - plumbing and mold are big on that hidden list, in my opinion.I can kind of approximate plumbing repairs but wanted to know if there are any easy ways to spot any hidden mold.

Look for cracks on the sides of the house, trees whose roots may be too close to the house, leaning structures attached to the house, these are basic things you will be able to spot without an inspector.  

Any change in personal situation or the market puts you in a really tight spot.

I am in a similar spot of trying to decide to leverage a property that has been a steady eddy turning out cash for years now.

I think @Darrin Carey and @Gordon Starr are both spot on. 

It is a big help with my blind spots on this deal.I will be self managing this deal (no management fee) running my numbers asking price with a 7.5% vacancy rate, 10% cap ex, and an extra $50/mo for legal fees/ pest control etc.

The advice from @Stephanie Irto and @Chris Mason is spot on. 

No record might be worse than one with a few dirty spots on it, for at least the banker can see some history of performance, even it it's not fantastic.

If its just one spot a plumber can dig it up and repair it for a grand.

I felt pretty bad because it seemed like he was just going through a rough spot and I really wanted to help him out, but I knew as a first time landlord it just didn't make sense for me to take that risk.