I don't know any investor worth his or her salt who wastes the money on an inspection, and I can't count how many times I've talked to people who've had incredibly negative experiences with them.  

I'm sure you'll find it incredibly helpful and it sounds like you have plenty of experience to share.

But you do have to go into it with both eyes wide open. 

I am wide open to tips and suggestions for getting started; especially in relation to picking the best market, as well as finding an ideal first property. 

They are on the site. the two I read were incredibly one sided.

Since it will be a fitness facility he is looking for something a minimum of 2000 sq ft, preferably more, and wide open or able to be gutted.

My dad is in commercial realestate in Memphis and could be an incredible mentor for me.

Let me know if you think that "The Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors" might help you in your real estate investing journey!

In case you are interested - I wrote about my experience finding mentors in this "Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors" - I hope that it helps you with your search!

Is that an industry wide practice or do you think there might be some banks that allow it?