In this case the runner went to the property with detailed & specific instructions ( i.e  take pictures, ask questions, accompany the inspector, etc) and reported back.  

I was told to hire an inspector. 

Carpenter ants, termites, leaky foundation, electrical contractor that walked out for better pay 1/2 way through and feisty code inspector- but kept our cool and survived,

I'm Kyle Foster, I'm a home inspector for the greater puget sound area.

Hire a good Certified Home Inspector and place your vetted Licensed Bonded framing contractor on standby should you need a second opinion.

Had we been more prepared with comparable, we would have negotiated a better deal.3.Do inspectionsIn my area, I can hire a professional inspector to check a single family house from top to bottom for about $300.

I currently manage a large portfolio of 4k single family homes & condos, while managing field operations & ateam of Inspectors & Superintendents for huge machine that rehabs & turns houses for large property management company. 

Then, right when he was starting to put it all together, a building inspector noticed that he didn't have any permits, and some of the structural things he had done wrong.... when I met him, he was literally hiding from the building inspectors... driving up quickly to show us the house, and then tearing off as soon as we were done.  

Often the houses look dirty as well and people are embarrassed to have a realtor, inspectors and potential buyers through the home. 

The main Team members are Attornies, real estate Agents, CPA's (or accountants), Inspectors, General Contractors, and Handymen.