couldn't he hire a real hobbit burglar?

because he was small and nimble

>>64122731
>random person approaches you
>"Do you rob people?"
>"Why yes of I do person I've never met! I know I can trust you with this secret."

Because Gandalf had a hunch Bilbo could teach the dwarves a lot, not directly but by being himself. And that an adventure could teach Bilbo a lot. He wasn't wrong. He just put what he felt like together

His stats made him the perfect burglar. Also divine machinations were in play.

Because hobbits get a bonus of -2 to Armor Class against larger opponents, plus a 10% chance of being detected in woods and a one-third chance of being detected while hiding in dungeons.

Because Gandalf wanted a toking buddy. He also had a hard on for little hobbit ass

Because Gandalf had a great judge of character and he saw hidden potential in people. Something Saruman lacked because he was so smug.

>>64123979
this is the answer that makes most sense in whole thread

>>64122699
He sensed the force in him

>>64122699
Hobbits have 100% stealth power, therefore bilbo was a perfect candidate for the mission.Gandalf was very familiar with bilbo's family especially his Took side of the family and knew that Bilbo would have a knack for adventure just like they did. Bilbos hesitancy was him just too comfy to the hobbit life style.