Structural Rehab Strategy

What is your preferred approach when purchasing a distressed property knowing moderate to extensive structural Rehab is required from the visible disrepair alone.
Do you prefer to still have the typical standard full home inspection completed to bring that report when consulting with PE?
Do you prefer to forego the standard home inspection and go straight to a PE that does on-site physical inspection to get right into to the drafting/plans?
Do you find a Consulting-only PE to be a more cumbersome step than coordinating straight away with a full-service PE?