Do you try to inspect roof, mechanicals during the first visit....or wait until the due diligence period?

@Chad Eisenhart The most cost effective way to handle this would be to find someone on Upwork ie a draftsman or anyone familiar with a dwg software ie cad/revit (obviously someone with good feedback and has worked on similar projects which you can see from their portfolio), have them put together the construction drawings based on your specifications, construction budget, ETC, basically a full set of construction drawings which depending on the level of regulation/red tape within your municipality could include mechanicals, landscape/grading plans, ETC., and once you’re satisfied with the plans, find yourself a P.E. with a license from your state on Upwork to review and stamp the drawings.

Its pretty nice, especially on 2-4 unit properties, because say on a double, I can buy it, redo all mechanicals, exterior, windows, etc, get it filled--and still make good money selling it to investors where one side basically covers the payment.

I just wish I had more "mechanical" experience but I guess with the gas, electric and water off I couldn't check things out anyway to see if they work.

you just have two different comments. just think about this , is you need to repair your car, Do you need to get a license for it or you would just take it with a mechanic? 

3)  I did have a 22 unit apartment under contract that was listed as having; "new roof 2015," was "low maintenance", and was told by the realtor that everything was "mechanically sound" and it was,"in pretty good shape."

But the mechanics are the Jackson would sell his investment property start a 1031 exchange and take $500K in boot. 

Not sure what the theory is behind that, but there is no mechanism to stop it.

You're paying the broker to facilitate the transaction similar to how you pay a mechanic to fix your car.

Great to see you guys are taking the right actions and proactively managing your tax situation. 1031 exchange and other tax deferral mechanisms are a great way to leave a legacy for kids/grand kids to ensure that they can continue to benefit from your hard work/sacrifices for a long time.