Thanks to everyone’s suggestions so far. I am leaning towards articulating ladder for outside, and prob get a telescoping for inside at some point. I do own 6 ft and 10 ft step ladders I could use for inside for now. I am in the Denver metro area, and most homes I’ve seen have roof portions that can be accessed by a 15 ft ladder or less.
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I use several Articulated ladders with varying heights. Tallest, 17’ feet.
I still use by lightweight fiber glass step ladder for attics.
Good luck with your endeavors, Sean. Be safe!
I use a 26ft simply because I can carry it on my vehicle and its the ladder i used for commercial water intrusion inspections (my previous job).
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LOVE my 12 foot folding ladder that goes to 4-3’ sections when folded up. It’s not even so much a storage issue in my vehicle as it is just a nice size for carrying and usefulness. At my second home/inspecting area I got a 12’ that is actually more like 11’ that partially slides into itself then folds out and it’s amazing how many roofs I can’t reach but could with a true 12’. I have a longer folding type but it’s HUGE and bulky and kind of a PITA to get out. Definitely looking for another true 12-footer.
I’ve never been a fan of telescoping ladders due to being somewhat larger at 220# and reading of some failure when they were first popular +/- 20 years ago. Also, definitely less versatile than a folding type.
If you’re young like I used to be, put ‘em all on a ladder rack. After you get old like me, and are tired of lugging ladders off your truck, get a telescopic ladder. Be sure each rung locks on both sides as you extend it. They work great for attic access. For a better roof inspection, get a drone with zoom for high roofs, metal, slate roofs and places you can’t access. Whatever ladder you decide on, take the ladder safety course. Be safe!
I have both the Little Giant brand 17 foot and 22 foot articulating ladders. I like them both. However, in every day use because of weight I use the 17 foot much more often. That would be my recommendation for a starter ladder. If you can’t afford it go directly to Little Giant and purchase it from them with all of the latest features. These might include the leg leveler extensions at the base etc. if you are going to get a telescoping ladder I would strongly suggest the brand of “extend and climb”. They are the strongest and the advantage is that they take less space in your vehicle. They are also relatively lighter weight. Important tip, I always try whenever practical to use a cabinet clamp on the top step of my ladder where it meets the eave/facia board to fully secure the ladder and prevent any possibility of kickback or tip back. Just be careful to make it firmly clamped but never overtightened because you can break something.
Hello Sean -
If you are using your Subaru (which we as your inspection brotherhood will allow for only your first year) 
, you may be limited to how many ladders - and what size ladders you can carry.
I (my opinion only) do not recommend strapping a ladder to the roof, if you can avoid it.
Here’s what I’ve got going…
Gorilla MPX17 for outdoor use (it’s only 45" long when closed), Extend & Climb 15.5’ for indoor use. I also carry a small 3 step ladder for those special occasions. If I was going to carry just one ladder - it would be the Gorilla. Rock on.
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That’s good stuff right there, Brian!
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Wow, nice setup Mark!! I ended up just buyinig the Gorilla 22’ ft reach. It fits in the Subaru just fine. I’m wondering if the Gorilla 18’ reach wouldve been good enough and be easier to use inside. I will think about it tonight and might make the exchange tomorrow.
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Sean, I have the 17’ Gorilla that works great both inside and out. The only problem with this type of ladder is trying to access an attic where the only access hatch is in a bedroom closet. Very tight squeeze to fit one in if you can. That’s why I have a telescoping on the side, just for this reason. Both would fit in your SUV.
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There are a lot of choices out there. As was stated earlier take the ladder safety course, if you haven’t already. Also consider something like this:
Lock Jaw Ladder Grip
There are a few different styles to choose from, just find one that works with the ladder you choose. It’s best to start doing things safely at the beginning of your career. That way you won’t develop bad habits.
Wow Mark, that is impressive!
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I use a 26’ Little Giant that I load onto the my Civic’s roof rack.
If that’s not enough I have a 30’ docapole I use with a remote camera.
It gets the job done, but I am looking forward to upgrading to a truck in the near future. The gas mileage (even with the rack and ladder) is nice though.
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Just used my Bostitch framing nailer today! 
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A 6’ step ladder and 16’ extension ladder is what I use. I do not like telescoping or articulating ladders as they are heavy and have too many joints (points of failure).
I’ve used the same 17’ Little Giant for 24 years. I’ve opened and closed it over 50,000 times. I would not use any other ladder, although I’ve certainly looked at others.
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I agree with Lon.
And, if you use a telescoping (any) ladder on a deck, get a rubber back carpet sample picked up at a carpet store, and put it under the base…works great for slip resistance.
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