m Ransley wrote:

Have it inspected before you buy, the best cheap insurance against
future issues.

"... I would strongly recommend if you're not particularly familiar w/
such
details to hire an independent inpector before making an offer."

It won't be a guarantee, but a competent inspector can help,
particularly the uninitiated. Just be sure it's someone not on payroll
of the agent or a recommended lender although the latter is less of an
issue than the former since they're both after looking out for
themselves. In the case of the lender, they're simply wanting to feel
comfortable they can get their equity back out w/ reasonable
confidence which could be a big hit for the buyer. The agent otoh, is
trying make a sale and commission.