Need Advice: Considering Historic Mansion Purchase

[Felix Sharpe]

Hi BP,

I need some advice. About two weeks ago, my wife and I were doing some house hunting when we came across a boarded up 4,300 sq foot historic home. To make a semi-long story short, we sent the owner a inquiry letter, and he'd like to sell the home. We will be walking through the home this week, and I want to know whether I should hire a contractor as a consultant to give me a ball park estimate on what the renovation would cost. What do you think about this idea? Would a contractor be willing to do this type of thing? Is it even possible to give that sort of estimate with only a 30 - 40 minute walk through the home? Are there any alternatives? What would you do? Thanks, I'd consider any advice you have to offer.

Felix