Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing

What Every Homeowner and Investor Needs to Know About Home Inspection Reports


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On the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, the best podcast for affordable housing investments hosted by Kent Fai He, licensed home inspector Jim Anderson (Brothers Home Inspection) breaks down what investors need to know before buying or renovating a property. Jim explains how to think like an inspector... using a home inspection as your property’s report card...and shares what he looks for when identifying major issues like foundation movement, roof leaks, water intrusion, HVAC systems, and old electrical panels.

He also walks through how to prioritize repairs, evaluate the total cost of rehab, and build relationships with inspectors who understand rental and multifamily investing, not just owner-occupied homes.

What this episode is about:

The biggest mistakes investors make when skipping or rushing inspections.

How to spot foundation, roof, plumbing, or electrical issues that could cost thousands.

Why water intrusion is the most overlooked and expensive repair for landlords.

How to read inspection reports like an investor (not a first-time homebuyer).

How multiple inspection opinions can save you from costly surprises.

Why it matters for affordable housing investors and developers:

Every missed inspection item can sink your deal or blow up your rehab budget. Jim shows how disciplined inspections protect cash flow, reduce risk, and help investors create safe, high-quality housing without surprises. This episode gives you a framework to make smart, data-driven rehab decisions and protect your margins—whether you’re flipping, renting, or developing.

Direct quotes from Jim:

“A home inspection is really a report card—not a pass or fail. It tells you what’s right, what’s wrong, and what needs attention.”

“The number one killer of homes is water. Roof leaks, poor grading, bad flashing—water finds a way.”

“Foundation cracks tell a story. You just have to know how to read it.”

“If you’re serious about investing, find an inspector who understands rental properties, not just retail buyers.”

“Every investor should learn how to walk a property like a home inspector.”

Common questions this episode answers:

What are the most expensive inspection issues to fix in an older home?

How can investors identify red flags during property walkthroughs?

Why is water intrusion the biggest long-term threat to rental properties?

How can you find and vet a reliable home inspector?

What should you prioritize in a rehab budget after an inspection?

Follow him on IG: @BHI_JEA_951 or email him your questions: 
[email protected]

Please DM any questions or content suggestions to Kent Fai He, affordable housing developer, educator, and host of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, the best podcast for affordable housing investments in the United States.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, insurance, or tax advice. It is not an offer or solicitation for any investments. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.

#AffordableHousing #HomeInspection #RealEstateInvesting #Multifamily #Section8 #InvestorTips #PropertyManagement #DueDiligence #RehabBudget #WaterIntrusion #foundationrepair 


00:00 Podcast Trailer 
03:05 Intro (Getting to Know Jim: His Background and Story)
11:04 Should You Ask Whether Your Home Inspection Pass or Fail? (NO - You're Asking the Wrong Question) 
12:41 How to Use a Home Inspection to Estimate Initial Investments as an Investor or Home Buyer?
18:49 Why You Should Always Get 3 Quotes After the Home Inspection: $13,000 vs. the $300 Fix
21:44 What Do Most Homeowners Miss When Checking Their Roof During Inspections? 
26:28 How Trees Can Negatively Impact the Condition or Foundation of your Home!
29:53 How to Spot Bigger Problems During Inspections - How a Small Leak Impacted a Joist in the Foundation!
34:20 What Window Problems Should You Look For Before Buying a Home?
36:51 How to Spot Plumbing Problems Before They Cost You Thousands?

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Affordable Housing & Real Estate InvestingBy Kent Fai He @kentfaihe