The short answer is YES. The long answer is your house is an investment just like your car ,you would'nt just have anybody ,whether there certified or not tell you the car you wanted is good to buy without you first test driving it yourself.Your investment property is no different, you want to see what you are buying, what needs to be fixed, and how much repairs are going to cost you.

I agree fully with the previous answer. You want to be there for the inspection unless there's no way that you can be. Try to send someone you trust to be there or see if your Realtor can go.

The inspection process is the perfect opportunity for you to really get to know the home you may be living in. Find out where all the water/gas, etc. valves are in case you ever need to cut them off. Find out how to change the filter on your furnace. Learn about your electric breaker box and see if you have slots open in case you add that hot tub or some other major appliance later. Know the condition of the appliances etc. Check out the attic and see how much storage you have and what's up there. Do you need more insulation? Are their drafts in the house that need to be addressed for energy efficiency purposes?

You'll feel much more confortable upon move-in if you've been through the inspection with a professional who has shown you the basic systems of your new home.