When making an offer to buy any type of property, include a clause in your purchase agreement that makes your offer contingent upon a property inspection. If the seller resists, you can substitute a financing contingency. You must do this in order to protect yourself and your hard money lender.
Some sellers may try to cover defects or may not be aware of structural or mechanical problems. You should protect your investment by having a licensed professional inspect your property and provide you with a comprehensive and easy to read report.