Steve,
A few things. As the others stated, no agreement, no inspection.
I have mailed out of town buyers with my agreement. I always enclosed a self addressed/stamped envelope for them to return to me in. Also, good phone contact during this time is needed to follow up.
Also in your post you stated:
Being a sole proprietor, having the contract signed before the inspection will prove troublesome.
Was being a
sole proprietor statement a euphemism, or is that the legal entity you chose to operate your business under. I'm not an attorney here and can not offer legal advice, but, if you are operation under the *sole proprietor* business entity, you are open to all kinds of legal issues personally. If this is correct, I recommend you contact an attorney in your state and see if an INC. or LLC is more appropriate and protecting of your personal assets.