Electrical stuff is harder to determine without seeing inside of walls but you can take a peek at the electrical panel to see if it's dated and the load (if you know how)... a pic would work to share with your electrician.The rest is pretty visual and more cosmetic, bathrooms and kitchens are always the most important.

Spot contractors that are BSing you To answer your question more directly, if you are targeting a cosmetic flip, you can bring an inspector, to make sure there’s nothing BIG you are missing.

Agreed... always let them make the first offer....Back in 2005 we paid $22k cash for a property that was moldy & in need of a lot of cosmetic work.

I routinely buy rental units. 

All homes are older but in great shape structurally and some simple cosmetic improvements will go a long way.

. - total kitchen remodel $15-20K-new washer/dryer $1500- bathroom just needs cosmetic remodel 2K- replace back door $500 (family member works for window and door company and gets a large discount)- furnace is about 20 years old so would need to be replaced soon 3K- possible rewiring of the house (worst case scenario) $7K- repaint.

I guess it would be one more thing I'd have to maintain though and I try to avoid doing things that are purely cosmetic other than floor covering and painting where needed since I do not do flips.

Hello BP.Are properties that need cosmetic work, i.e. updating kitchen, bathroom, new flooring and paint, a high risk as far as getting your money out of it? 

Value was added through basement repairs, refinished flooring, a new roof, cleaner landscaping and fencing, as well as other minor cosmetic issues.

Are most issues cosmetic vs structural 4.No more than 75 percent of ARV