This path has been blazed before. I think many people have started out with low end units but soon the limitations were exposed.
However, we would all be very excited to have an affordable crawler. I would do the same as you for a couple hundreds bucks. I hope you update the forum and let us all know how it works for you. This would be very helpful to me and many others.
Randy, your advice is very helpful. Good post. There are dirty things in a crawl space.
One other option I’ll add is to put a camera and good light on the end of a telescoping pole to get some pictures if you can’t safely get in and you don’t have a robot. It’s better than nothing, and you don’t have so much to clean up afterwards.
Safety first.
I love the “I know a guy who can do it cheaper” line. I don’t know if most people realize your camera choices are extremely limited for crawlers, 3 maybe work for what we need. It all comes down to the chassis to get that camera in and out of the crawlspace every time.
The most capable chassis configuration after much modifying is the Capra. The new version I will be using going on this next group of 4 to 6 BarNone builds sells for $550. Axial Capra 1.9 4WS Unlimited Trail Buggy 1/10 RTR 4WD Rock Crawler (Red) [AXI03022T1] - AMain Hobbies you add in all the new electronics, fpv equipment, 3D parts and material costs add up quickly.
Or you can a big box store crawler and tape and epoxy lights and cameras on it and call it capable.
And it may be for his needs. I typically would need a crawler maybe two or three times a year. So for me, an inexpensive device that could capture some additional views at an affordable price would be advantageous for me and my client. I think many many inspectors are in the same boat.
The same could be said for aerial drones, thermal cameras and a host of other inspection tools. Highest quality is always best, but not always attainable.
For the record, I like what you do with these crawlers. I find it innovative and good for the industry. I think we are fortunate to have your passion.
What happens when you spend $500 to $1000 for a budget crawler and it gets stuck in the first crawlspace you use it in? How is that a good deal? You can’t leave it in the crawlspace, it more than likely uses LiPo batteries.
I guess the money you saved on the crawler purchase will pay for the floor repairs to get it back because it could not do what it needed to do.
You cannot compare crawlers to aerial drones, so many differences.
Or when your less expensive aerial drone flies off into the ocean because it lost contact and has no auto return home feature.
So, how does your crawlspace drone return in the event of a mechanical failure?
Yank on the rope… … …
I think I would rig up my Penn 7500 with 30# braided line, I want to be ready for the fight! 
Like every other drone when it has a mechanical, you have to get it. I am talking about the obstacles of a crawlspace overwhelming the shortcomings of a cheap build. BarNone is going over that 4" pipe, BarNone is crawling through the bundles of wiring without them wrapping around a tires, BarNone is not getting stuck in the mud or driving into a hole because the lighting is subpar.
Never once used a leash, more trouble than good.
I think what some people miss, is this. Builders of professional camera rovers COULD build toy level machines, with a 20’ WiFi range, and cameras that fight for broadcast real estate with the truck’s own controller. They could assemble a workable machine and sell it for, say, $1500, or quite a bit less. Maybe even make it a DIY kit and go really cheap.
But that wouldn’t serve the inspector with a tool that could be used in a majority of needful situations.
When someone buys a camrover, they are paying for a machine that (hopefully) incorporates high quality technology in the builder’s choice of:
Camera (s)
Video transmitter
Video receiver /monitor
Polarized and directional antennae
R/C control set
Lighting
Safe battery (yes, SAFE)
Chassis /suspension /tires /steering etc…
Motor /ESC
Servos
Wiring and connectors
Fan
and more.
He is also paying for assembly, tuning and testing. In a way, good builders are specialists, and not unlike an inspector who charges a decent fee because he is worth it.
I’m a small time builder. Every unit I’ve sold is by word of mouth. But I put in the hours, and innovate within my sphere. If /when I decide to go commercial, it will be with a machine that might look like another, in some fashion, but will be distinctive in its own right. All of my builds had certain capabilities that proved valuable. The builder who sets out to do well, inevitably brings something to the table, or builds in a new direction on the back of existing tech.
There are home-built, inexpensive rigs, that do fine by the men who build them. They neither need nor want a commercial machine - and that’s completely legit. Their machines meet the need.
There are commercial machines of various types. A whole lot of rigid-axle tanks, four wheelers, “zero turn” units etc…. And maybe three live axle rock crawler heritage machines.
The CORRECT machine for any inspector is the one he feels good about. The uncomfortable tool gets left in the box if there’s any other option. Not all will opt to spend $2800-$5000 for a rover. The need isn’t there, or the perceived value. I know the guys who use mine put them in holes quite a bit, and are aggressive. Scot’s machines are all over, and I’ve seen no negative reports. My advice is, if you want one, take the route that best fits your need, budget, skill and “feel”. Any other choice will leave you cold.
Yikes!! step in that mud, you may not come back out!
Randy, that post has to be one of the best explanations of rovers that I’ve ever read.
Thank you, sir.
What a bunch of sissies.
I’ve crawled some extreme crawl spaces.
The one that stands out the most was a a feed mill on the docks in.Tampa
that made cat-and-dog food . My elbows and knees fell in rat holes as I crawl along the way underneath this place. It was 1:30 in the morning.I wasn’t happy about it. But I did it. And when I got to the far end of the building At least 500 eyes were looking at me. Warf Rats as big as possums. Once you get over that fear and it takes some time it doesn’t Matter.
Just remember your client is foremost and what you do. No matter what it takes. Do it and I charge the h*** out of them
You da’ man!
Call me a wuss but I’m not getting in anyone’s crawl at 1am except for mine or a family member, emergency only… Or big $$$$$$$$ 
embellishment as usual… … …
