Commercial building on old gas station lot..avoid?

[John H.]

I'm looking at a small commercial building that sits on what used to be an old gas station. I'd like to bid on the property but I'm caution because of the old gas station. If contaminants were found years later, could they come after me as a prior owner?

Here is what the auction states:

A 1/25/2013 Phase 1 ESA revealed evidence of RECs in connection with the site, including a 1987 oil spill which was reportedly cleaned up and former use as a gas station from 1911 through 1951. There are certain asbestos containing materials in the building.

Its in Massachusetts if that matters, would you buy if the price is right?

[David T.]

been there, done it. Don't touch it with a fifty foot barge pole! Are you so stuck for a deal you're picking through this garbage?