I ended up negotiating a separate escrow agreement with the Seller's attorney in which the Seller fixed the roof and the water damage to the attic to the Buyer's satisfaction (inspected by Buyer's home inspector) and therefore Buyer paid the originally negotiated price - but, my Buyer client was pretty close to walking away.I framed it quite simply - that Seller had failed to act in good faith in failing to disclose the leak and that Buyer was going to cancel the transaction if Seller did not fix the problem.Sorry to hear about the issues.In light of the broker acting in a dual capacity, I am glad to hear that you have an attorney representing your best interests in this transaction.

I'd like to discuss three topics found routinely as issues in reports from home inspector’s, I have been asked to review and or repair.

Many inspectors that I have met from residential sales impress me, with their diligence. 

Don't know much about the inspectors in Cincinnati area?

I had the inspector and real estate agent do that for me.

Most code enforcement will not offer design advice but will offer violations.The Fire Inspector, Fire Marshal may also be a great place to start.Meeting with local REI groups and making contacts with other investors in your area may open up dialog of whom to use and whom to stay away from.Most fire departments are loaded with great contractors in all fields and or can share with you whom they use.Networking, knowing and using your resources, and open communications will give you insight into establishing your own resource list with those you would want to keep calling.Stephen

I had my inspection with the city today and wanted to be prepared for the inspector.

Ideally I'd like to meet with a home inspector, contractor or/and estimator any day any time Thu 01/17 to Tue 01/22.

When they bought it the inspector saw the strapping and just moved on, never looked to see if it was actually correct.

Call a local inspector to get answers.