I actually think it's better to get a property in contract and get a professional inspector along with contractor estimates during due diligence period.

Check out your local building associations and also check out town permits and see who the contractors are or ask the local building inspector if he recommends anyone.go to REIA meetings and when you give your elevator pitch ask if anyone knows a reliable contractor that is investor friendly.

This year, they said if I have them pull credit on an applicant, they have to send an 3rd party inspector to my home.The inspector showed up on a sunday(?)

Basement was a bit concerning just because how damp it was but the home inspector the realtor suggested is a mold expert I was told.

If you haven't already, it seems worth the cost to bring in an inspector/contractor to get a good feel for costs.Unfortunately, I couldn't link to your pictures through the provided pdf.Also, it's tough to judge without any comps in the area.

Should I get a building inspector to give me his opinion on what needs to be done to salvage it and use that to help my case?

I am wondering what the city inspector will do when reviewing the work for our permit.

Would hire my own home inspector/appraiser/lawyer, etc. so not too many concerns there either.Where I am VERY spooked is in the tenant screening process.

I am seriously thinking of taking a home inspector class.  

or can I just leave everything hooked up andthe gauge connected to the main line, so that the inspector can see there's no leaks.