Agent here. Short sales are almost always as is allowing only a general inspection contingency, i.e. have inspection, see results, then say yes or no. The seller will not make repairs, and the general inspection contingency doesn't allow for negotiation based on the inspection results.

From what I remember seeing, short-sales are generally the same as normal listings as far as inspection/appraisals/etc.(Some will have stipulations, just like regular listings, but I didn't see any particular trend) The negotiation can take longer, since it usually involves a bank, but the option is still there. I generally see foreclosures sold "as-is" though, and usually without contingencies, although I didn't really look at any foreclosures last time I was in the market.

Or the buyer still can have an inspection and negotiate the price based on the results?