FHA 203(K) Consultant Lazy?

[Mike K.]

Hi All --

Currently going through the FHA 203(k) process. Under contract for a duplex with a purchase price of 191K & estimated rehab of 130K. Rehab estimate was provided by a friend that has done numerous flips/rehabs in this particular area.

Anyways, an FHA 203(k) consultant is mandatory for a rehab of this amount. I was more than okay with this as I figured it would be very helpful to have someone like this help me formulate a detailed scope of work for a GC to undertake the project. I asked my lender if he had a particular consultant he recommended & sure enough he did. I had him come out to the property to do his inspection report & he was overwhelmingly unimpressive -- didn't take any notes, didn't take any pictures, etc. Thus, I can't imagine he'll be a great resource to really drive the true rehab costs from.

Also, independent of the FHA 203(k) consultant, I ordered a traditional home inspection. I just got this report back & it was pretty detailed.

I figured both reports combined would put me in a good position to narrow the scope of the rehab. Just called my FHA 203(k) consultant & asked when his report would be ready. He said he would like to see the Home Inspection report first. I suppose my question is should I even send it to him? Is he just being lazy? I kind of wanted to see independent analysis. Or should I more view it as this 203(k) consultant is part of my team & allow him to supplement the home inspection report to formulate his?

I guess what I'm really asking is what is the standard role for a 203(k) consultant at this stage.

Sorry for the long write-up without actually saying much. Thanks a bunch.