Should I pay a Retainer Fee?

[Motun Ayo]

As a real estate investor newbie, I found a contractor but they are asking for $850 retainer fee and $85/Hr fee before going to evaluate a property I found. Does it makes sense to pay this fee?

[Justin Hammerle]

@Motun Ayo - my opinion is no, depending on the size of the home a full home inspection is anywhere from $200-500 depending on size.  I'm not sure what the property eval will entail from the contractor but you could always just get one from a home inspector, pay less, and sub out the work rather than paying a retainer and an hourly fee for the same.