One of the mistakes that many people make... not just buyers but often their agents as well, is to treat the inspection as a moment in time to "get past".
I like to view the inspection as an opportunity to get acquainted with the property. Treat it like a first date. Get to know their quirks and foibles. What's good, what's bad. What do you love about your date, and what's going to need some work as you go forward?
Or, worst case scenario, maybe you just need to go your separate ways? This is a great opportunity to take notes as the inspector walks you through the home and add items to your maintenance schedule. The inspector tells you that the water heater should be drained once every year or two ... put that on your list. He tells you that the roof has 3-4 years of life left on it, put that on your "watch" list. He says the filter on your furnace should be changed every six months (or so) and serviced once or twice a year... ask for a recommendation for a service company and add it to your list.
You can learn a great deal during your inspection, but don't turn your brain off after the inspection is complete. It should just be a starting point.
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