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How to Do a Property Inspection

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Real talk: The inspection period is where many newbie wholesalers fail their deals. They skip it, eyeball it, or ignore red flags that drain their assignment fee. In wholesaling real estate, mastering the M.O.B. method for property inspections keeps your name solid, your buyers happy, and your deals tight.

This isn’t your grandma’s real estate deal. You’re not paying for a full home inspection with a 42-page PDF. In this game, you’ve got 15 to 30 minutes to walk the property, snap every angle, estimate repairs, and decide if this property is a gold mine or a trap.

The role of a property inspector in wholesaling is crucial, providing an in-depth analysis of the property's condition. They identify potential problems affecting the fair market value and deal profitability. Inspectors assess everything from the plumbing system to the home's exterior, ensuring all parties involved understand necessary repairs. This protects both the real estate wholesaler and the end buyer from unexpected costs, ensuring a smooth real estate transaction. Their knowledge can mean the difference between a good deal and one that drains your assignment fee. Knowing when to bring in a property inspector can safeguard your investment and reputation in real estate investing.

While you're not required to hire a home inspector, knowing when to bring in a professional property inspector can save your deal. Their job? To provide a clear-eyed reality check on the condition of the house, from roof to foundation. If you’re still learning or entering a high-stakes deal, a qualified inspector can back up your numbers and protect your income potential. Use them when it counts.

Let’s break down how to handle property inspections like a seasoned wholesaler—and when to tag inthe pros.


What Is a Property Inspection?

In wholesale real estate, the property inspection is a fast, gritty walk-through where you:

  • Snap photos like you’re working for TMZ
  • Verify fair market value (FMV) using your comps and street smarts
  • Estimate repairs without a contractor degree
  • Collect details for your cash buyers so they can move fast
  • Prep to structure smart real estate contracts that lock in your deal

Forget clipboards and khakis. You’re there to get the truth and get out.


When Should You Inspect a Property?

Before you write one line of a contract. Always inspect the property before making an offer on distressed properties. This protects your profit, your buyers, and your name in the streets.

And yeah, you can bring a home inspector or licensed appraiser if it’s a big deal or you want backup. But even solo, you better know what to look for. Sellers lie. Problems hide. You dig 'til you find the truth. Discover the truth, that is your job as a real estate investor.

A good inspection also helps you gauge market value, estimate repair costs, and confidently pitch to your real estate investors.


Why the Inspection Matters

Because sellers leave stuff out. Because your real estate investors rely on you to give it to them straight. And because one busted foundation can wipe out your assignment fee and then some.

Inspections keep you honest, help you market wholesale properties with confidence, and avoid getting roasted on your next JV deal.

Want respect from real estate agents, appraisers, and wholesale real estate partners? Show up like a pro, even if you’re just getting started.


Understanding the Inspection Period

Most contracts give you 10–15 days for due diligence. Here’s what goes down:

  • Line up your inspectors, contractors, and buyers
  • Walk the house, take photos, verify market value
  • Get your buyers inside so they see what you see
  • Renegotiate if something major pops up

Use this time to figure out if you’re keeping the deal or walking. And yes—you can renegotiate or back out. That’s what the inspection period is for.

The local real estate market can shift fast—this window is your time to double-check numbers and find the hidden risks.


Two Ways to Play the Seller

1. "I’m the Buyer"

Act like you’re the one buying it. This builds direct trust and keeps the convo tight. It’s clean, fast, and works when you’re confident in your numbers.

2. "We Represent a Group of Investors"

Use this when you’re running point for your team. You’ve got other investors helping verify the deal. This gives you cushion to bring partners through and keeps the door open for renegotiation.

Pro Tip: Sellers don’t care which investor closes—only that someone closes. So show up, be professional, and get it done.


How to Do a Property Inspection the M.O.B. Way

Start Outside

  • Check curb appeal, overgrowth, busted siding
  • Look at the roof—missing shingles, sagging, obvious leaks
  • Walk the driveway, yard, fences, sheds, everything
  • Inspect windows, doors, seals—anything that keeps weather out
  • Evaluate how the house fits in the neighborhood and surrounding real estate market

Then Go Inside

  • Plumbing: Leaks? Galvanized pipes? Funky smells? Fix it or factor it in.
  • HVAC: Is it working? Missing? Ancient?
  • Electrical: 200-amp panel? Sketchy wiring?
  • Foundation: Cracks, slants, moisture, or that spooky basement vibe
  • Attic, closets, crawl spaces: Mold? Termites? Critters? Don’t skip it.

All this impacts how much money your deal is worth and what your income potential looks like.


Inspection Etiquette

  • Always ask before taking photos
  • Be respectful of sellers, tenants, and real estate agents
  • Ask about upgrades, repairs, unpermitted work
  • Say thank you. You’re building your rep with every walk-through

Photos: Your Secret Weapon

Photos = proof. Photos = marketing. Photos = leverage.

Take clear shots of:

  • Every room
  • Problem areas
  • Systems (HVAC, electric panel, plumbing, roof)

Use them to:

  • Create a shareable inspection album for your cash buyers
  • Estimate repairs
  • Build credibility with licensed real estate agents, contractors, and investors
  • Show off your wholesaling real estate skills in your next pitch deck

✅ Download the inspection checklist
✅ See an example inspection album


How to Estimate Repair Costs (Without Being a Contractor)

No fancy degree needed, not even a bachelor's degree. Here’s the cheat sheet:

  • Roof: $8K–$15K
  • Plumbing: $2K–$10K
  • Paint & flooring: $5K–$10K
  • Kitchen/bath remodel: $10K–$25K+

Always round up. Underestimating kills more deals than anything else.

Pro wholesalers know their local real estate market, talk to contractors, and keep a running list of what things cost.


Know the Market, Know Your Role

Do you need a real estate license? No. But you better know your laws. Or someone who does.

Work with pros: certified inspectors, licensed appraisers, solid title companies. You don’t have to know everything—but you need a crew that does.

What matters more than a license? Integrity. Efficiency. Hustle. Be the one who does it right, and everyone will want to do deals with you.


Final Thoughts: Don't Be Sloppy

The property inspection is your firewall. It's how you protect:

  • Your money
  • Your buyers
  • Your reputation

Get in, document everything, estimate repairs, and be transparent. That’s how real estate wholesalers separate themselves from amateurs.


🔥 Want access to our deal breakdowns, marketing scripts, and step-by-step wholesaling playbooks?

👉 Grab the Property M.O.B. Total Access Pass and unlock the exact tools used by top wholesalers to scale to six figures and beyond.

3 comments on “How to Do a Property Inspection”

  1. Hey Tracy,

    Ditto on that link for the sample inspection album. Not working.

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