Jake,
Funny, I signed up tonight for the D/FW Home Inspection course. I'm using rets-llc.com for my training because they also include the 20 inspections (Arlington area) with a certified inspector that you need in order to get your Professional licensing and start your business immediately. I take my classroom hours in late Sept.
I, also, was in Law Enforcement here in Texas (T.C.L.E.O.S.E. back then...Frost, TX, Rosebud, TX, Temple, TX and Waco, TX...and 1 yr. Fed-HRT). Now that was LONG time ago (I got out of Law Enforcement. in 1994...yeah, I'm way old, lol). I was with Temple during the detective fiasco under Chief Thomas Vannoy, but I wasn't one of the guys they were investigating. I was strictly patrol. Well enough of memory lane, lol...
I have to say that Thermography isn't really a money maker for me in the consumer RE industry. However, It really helps when you cross into commercial inspections. I charge an extra $250 for a smaller commercial building Thermal TEQ Report and go up from there. I've only done consumer (home) Thermal Energy Quotient Reports twice, and that was for a large, custom home being built, and an older 3 story home meant for remodel.
I do see thermography being more widespread as insurance companies tighten their demands on commercial accounts. A TEQ Report also gives indicator markers of potential electrical problems, gas furnace leaks, HVAC duct issues, etc. If a commercial insurance company knows that the building is thermally "safe", they will consider a rate reduction. How much of one, I haven't seen for myself, but it seems to be worth it for some businesses, especially in the manufacturing industry where 240/480 is used regularly.
I drove down to Goldthwaite Texas today and helped a rancher locate feral hogs for about 2 hours. Made $400+ food and gas. Not bad for a nice country drive, lol.
Drones aren't going away, we just have to ride out the "popular" craze, and I think the industry will survive well!
You also might ask some others on the site here. There seems to be a lot of good guys that really are rising above the "do-it-for-$20" group (NOT being troll, just stating a fact, lol).
Good luck with your Home Inspection Training!
Sincerely,
Kevin