Roof condition, mechanical condition, plumbing issues, appliances, foundation, structure, overall flow and usefulness of layout and spaces.  

That sounds like a solid foundation on how get started.

I've been absorbing a ton of information on RE to help with foundational knowledge. 

We had the inspection today and had a contractor come out and there are foundational issues that we were not aware of, so the total cost of the project will now be between $25,000-$30,000 rather than the $10,000 we were anticipating.  

Im currently looking for a structural engineer that can come out and look at a foundation at a property in Westford Ma this week. 

While it may sound sensationalist, I believe that the foundation of Corporate America will look drastically different coming out of this pandemic.

This has to do with the roof and the foundation being the most expensive components of a structure.

Again, for an investment, I want to be sure i'm not walking into a money pit such as bad foundations, significant wood rot, a really failed septic, etc.Are you asking about a fixer-upper?

Again you are a contractor so i think, depending on your capital : you could go after homes that people don't want to go for : 1. foundation problems 2.

Laid a new foundation and finished the basement apartment.