[john70t]

Woodpeckers also bang on metal siding during the mating seasons. I've had to slap the walls to drive them away. I've read fake owls and strips of rainbow mylar at the corners will scare them off. Also heard that they usually only peck at "bio-active" (ie rotting) wood for feeding where nice burrowing larva food can be found, so take that as nature's knock-knock warning to do some maintenance asap.

Interior finishes such as 15-min fire barrier (1/2"?) drywall inside might satisfy insurance requirements but change the look. Moisture meter's are great tools for finding potential water and moisture problems. Roof overhang and previous staining/repacking/etc will play a part in this. The first few feet where the snow builds up and at roof transition will probably be most critical. Might need a few bore samples with the current owner's permission. The uphill water channel slope and drainage around the foundation is the most important consideration to any foundation lifespan. Just wild guessing and have no experience here. Put on some carharts and start slithering.

Might need to call around and talk with their specialists and pick their brains. Inspection report will be the biggest factor. Maybe get two. Most home Inspectors are difficult to sue without gross negligence being involved. Nobody sells a nice place at a reasonable price without a reason and often those reasons are lies. The RE market might be at a high point right now, and although you fell in love(I would too givent eh description) you might not be able to afford it in the long term as a viable investment as a home.