In general your team should consist of an Attorney, Surveyor, Soil Analyst, Geologist, Environmental Engineer, Planner, Real Estate Agent, Developer and Builder.

However, the garage and the back of the house (including area underneath the deck) are pretty dry. 

Laminate was wet underneath in about a 2 foot area around that sides of the opening and when he pulled up a couple of pieces of the laminate there was a strong urine odor. 

Yes, I do.In fact, I've been on both sides, having intentionally allowed a property with soil defects go to tax sale in order to collect the surplus overbid funds (made $125,000 net profit on that play).Tax Title Service is in the risk business.

Usually a lot of what we find is regular wear-and-tear type stuff that we don't charge back, or often foundation related (our Texas soils move so much, the foundations shift and cause all manner of problems inside the house). 

The issue is, that property had contaminated soil and the seller decided not to sell anymore, and I'm assuming this one does as well because of how close it is.

There are no signs that the tank has any issues (no visible oil in the soil at the surface and no smell of residual oil in the area), and I'm worried that a soil test is only going to cause unnecessary costs.  

Didn't feel wet underneath what we could kind of peel back.  

In addition, it’s easy not to remember exactly where a roof vent or sky light is underneath the snow and ice.

The water damage was bad enough to rot the wood underneath, but I don't know how to post pictures on here with my phone :/