Buying at speed requires clarity. On Investorlift, start with fit and trust before you dive into the five big‑ticket systems.

• Fit: Your Smart Buy Box personalizes all notifications - email, email digest, and SMS - based on your connected buying entities. High-fit deals come to you, so you’re screening the best candidates first.

• Trust: Buyer identity verification is baked into the deals site. Once verified, you’ll show a Verified badge to sellers - reducing friction and helping you get faster responses and priority access.
   

Step 1 - Fit check (10 seconds)

Open the deal from your Smart Buy Box notification (email, digest, or SMS). If it doesn’t match your box, skip it. If it does, proceed to triage. (Tip: keep your buying entities current so notifications stay accurate.)
 

Step 2 - Trust signal (one‑time setup)

If you haven’t yet, complete buyer verification. Sellers see the Verified icon - this improves response times and helps your offers stand out among multiple inquiries.

The quickest way to separate a solid deal from a headache is to check the five big‑ticket systems - Roof, HVAC, Foundation, Electrical, Plumbing. Use the quick triage below to decide whether to pursue, price‑in, or pass - then ask the seller for any missing specifics.

A) Two‑Minute Triage (Green / Yellow / Red)

Roof

• Green: ≤10 yrs, single layer, no active leaks

• Yellow: 11–18 yrs, patched areas, minor attic staining

• Red: Multiple layers, active leaks, sag/rot at decking or eaves

HVAC

• Green: ≤8 yrs, recent service, normal temperature split

• Yellow: 9–14 yrs, service unknown, uneven heating/cooling

• Red: Frequent faults/noise, rusted pans, near end‑of‑life

Foundation/Structure

• Green: Hairline shrinkage cracks only, doors square, dry

• Yellow: Minor step cracks (≤¼"), slight floor slope, occasional moisture

• Red: Settlement/heave, displaced/wide cracks, chronic water intrusion

Electrical

• Green: 150–200A breaker panel, GFCI where required, tidy wiring

• Yellow: Older 100A service, mixed updates, poor labeling

• Red: Fuse/obsolete panels, double‑taps, scorched/brittle conductors

Plumbing

• Green: PEX/Copper supplies, PVC drains, water heater ≤8 yrs

• Yellow: Partial galvanized/cast‑iron, low pressure, WH 9–14 yrs

• Red: Original galvanized/cast‑iron throughout, active leaks/backups, WH at end‑of‑life
   

Quick rule: Score Green=0, Yellow=1, Red=2 across all five. 0–3 = pursue, 4–6 = proceed but price in work, 7–10 = deep discount or pass. (Guidance, not a substitute for inspections.)

B) Key details to confirm with any seller/wholesaler

• Roof: install year, number of layers, any active leaks; attic photos if possible

• HVAC: system type/tonnage, manufacture year, last service/repairs

• Foundation: any prior structural work, drainage/gutters/downspout extensions

• Electrical: panel amperage/brand/year, GFCI/AFCI in wet areas

• Plumbing: supply/drain materials, water‑heater size/year, sewer scope history

C) Photos & proof that speed decisions

• Roof slopes + close‑ups, attic, HVAC data plates, electrical panel (inside with labels), under‑sink piping, water‑heater plate, exterior cleanout

• Any invoices/receipts (roof/HVAC/electrical/plumbing), brief inspection notes, permit screenshots if available

D) Common deal‑breaker signals (usually “price‑in or pass”)

• “Newer roof/HVAC” but no year given

• Fuse box or recalled/obsolete panels

• Multiple roof layers plus interior staining

• Original galvanized/cast‑iron piping in older homes with slow drains

• Chronic moisture with no drainage plan

Note: Requirements vary by market and lender/insurer. Use licensed pros during diligence.