That research continued for the next three days. Nothing was happening with the Duplex, so I kept reading about photography. I really didn't learn much except that I could buy a scanner on ebay to scan negatives and slides. It was one way to avoid buying a two thousand dollar digital camera to do what the film cameras I already owned would do.

With that in mind I began checking ebay for a film scanner. I found a couple of new ones for just over a hundred bucks that would be able to give me the same resolution as a new high end digital camera. From the blog of an old time professional photographer I read about all the tricks to make it work. There were a lot of things the Film and scanner wouldn't do but with the combo it was still possible to use my cameras in combination with the new Internet printing services.

During my walk that third day, I got a call from a voice I didn't recognize. "Mr. Abba, this is Jerry Satterfield, the house inspector. I have your report ready could we meet so that I can deliver it."

And collect your fee, I thought. "Sure I'm out for a walk now, but I"m about ready to head home. Would you like to meet somewhere now or arrange if for later."

"We could do it now, if that's okay."

"Sure, do you have any place in mind."

"How about Sally's diner?" We can have a cup of coffee while you look the report over. If you have any questions I can try to answer them."

"That sounds reasonable. I should be there in about twenty minutes. I'm wearing jeans and a blue work shirt."

"Okay, I'm in jeans and a red knit shirt," he replied.

I finished my walk, then drove to the diner. I recognized him sitting in a booth by the window. "Jerry, John Abba, how is it going?"

"Just fine," he said slipping me the folder with a single piece of type written paper.

Asphalt shingles appear to be at, or near, the end of their usable life. Replacement in the near future is recommended.

At the time of re-roofing, recommend replacement of all plumbing boots.

Addition of gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks are suggested.

Recommend replacement of decayed fascia boards on the North side of the building.

Suggest replacing existing windows with thermal pane units. Some trim and window sills are decayed and should also be replaced. Addition of storm doors is suggested.

Deck railing are a potential hazard (wood is deteriorated, connections to supporting posts are weak, and spacing of balusters is more than the maximum allowed 4 inches) Immediate correction is strongly recommended.

Entry to attic (scuttle) is difficult and a concern. Observed indications that squirrels have been nesting at the right front corner. Entry appears to be through the right gable vent (screen wire is pushed back away from framing). Did not observe any other damage. Immediate correction is recommended. Additional insulation is suggested.
Installation of smoke and CO detectors is strongly recommended.

Cracks in the walls, sagging doors, and the off track sliding closet door in the right unit, indicate some typical foundation settlement.

Crawlspace appears to have excessive moisture (observed mildew on floor joists and very moist soil). Ensuring water is draining away from the structure will help. Suggest covering the crawlspace soil with 6 mill poly. Also suggest the addition of floor insulation. Observed the sill along the front of both units has deteriorated. Correction recommended. Also observed the floor joist at the toilet in the left unit has been cut. Repair is recommended. If moisture problems continue, suggest you consider the installation of a humidity controlled exhaust fan in the crawlspace.

Kitchen sink drain in the right unit appears to be obstructed. Correction suggested.

Toilet in the left unit is loose at the floor. Correction recommended. Tubs in both units need caulking at tile walls. Addition of bathroom exhaust fans should be considered. Receptacles in bathrooms are not GFCI protected. Correction advised.

Suggest electrical system be reviewed by a licensed electrical contractor to determine overall condition and for upgrade recommendations.

Heating systems are functional and appear to be adequate.

Air conditioning by window units would be feasible. (Electrician may recommend installation of 220VAC outlets for units)

Plumbing, except for slow drain (as noted earlier) and loose toilet, appears to be adequate. (No leaks were observed.)

Both water heaters are near the end of their life expectancy. Replacement at a future date should be anticipated. (Pressure relief valves are functional.)

Also recommend a termite inspection by a licensed pest control company.

"How many layers of shingles are on the roof?" I asked after reading the report.

"Just one, so you should be able to do a nail over."

I nodded, I knew that the roof would have to be actually leaking or shingles missing before I replaced it. Then I said, "The gutters doesn't seem to be a big issue." I did make a note in my notebook about the rotted fascia board. I had already decided to go with storm windows so the trim replacement could be done at the same time. Thermal pane would be nice but the duplex didn't warrant that kind of expense. The toilet should be no more than tightening it up. Caulking the tubs went on my list, and with replacing the one receptacle over the sink with a ground fault receptacle.

The news about the heating and air conditioning was good. I was a little worried about that. I probably wouldn't need a plumber to clear the drain and tighten the toilet. Most likely my handyman could do that. Even though I would be looking at replacing the water heaters, they sounded safe enough. I would have to keep an eye out for leaking.

I probably had to spend no more than a thousand or so dollars to make the immediate repairs and get the trim painted, I decided that it was time for an offer on the duplex. The front foundation worried me a little, but I knew how those things could be fixed, so it didn't worry me too much. the house was well over fifty years old, so some of the settling was expected. How much had to be done was just a guess. I did make notes to not be shocked by Shorty Maness's estimate for that work. He could also recommend patches since he wouldn't want to farm it out to a big time masonry contractor.

I called Harvey from the parking lot. "Okay Harvey, I'm ready to do the offer to purchase."

"Tell me what you want and I'll have the paperwork ready."

"I will give them fifty even with my own financing. Do you think they will spring for closing cost."

"I doubt it unless you let them carry the loan. Let's make the offer and see what they come back with. They don't usually negotiate on the price but you have a couple of things going for you, so let's see how it goes. I'll get this ready and you come by the house tomorrow and sign up. I am going to call the bank and tell them we have an offer. Just to make sure it is still on the market with these guys you never know. It you don't hear back all is go."

"Fair enough," I replied. I went to the grocery story for a dozen frozen low-cal frozen dinners. I spent most of the rest of the day making the final decision on my photo equipment purchases. Then I made the bid for the scanner and various other smaller items on ebay.

I ended my day watching old tv shows on the INTERNET. I was doing a lot of that lately, I made the decision to drop my cable when I moved.