So in essence it is a way to have your cake and eat it to (although I've been pondering all day why I would want to have cake and not eat it...). 

(I just wrote an article for BP on those exact risks but it's not been published yet...I'll link to it when it comes out).Anyway, just wanted to throw those thoughts out as you continue to ponder!

I was just pondering, and had the thought of why pay an inspector hundreds of dollars when I can just have my contractor come out and look at the property?? 

I pondered how I could and the answer I have found is an internship.

Also pondering if I can do this again or burn the extra money on paying a contractor for the hard stuff: Footing, framing, roof, etc...

I have pondered the same.

It would take awhile to come up with a comprehensive list, but when I ponder this question I ask myself, what would happen if this part fails? 

I've pondered flipping for years.

Now I'm pondering whether to wait until the market drops again or grab something now while it's still rising...

I've had to brainstorm this situation before, and you'd be surprised what you can come up with if you ponder it long enough.