Vinyl plank can get wet, you can scoot furniture all over it, and if a pet soils it, well, it's not the end of the world.

Having this area of moist soil is an all out invitation to termites and other critters as well.

I place R-19 batts underneath then covered by "aluminized belly-wrap." 

We had been planting for two years and things were growing underneath – we just couldn’t see it.Keep going!

Be smart, if you were farming you wouldn't put your only seeds in questionable soil; Reap what you sow...

On my experience on tests, they usually come out more expensive thinking that they give me a result for cheap, usually I get those on my soil tests, they then give me a bloated price which is insanely high, be careful on that. 450 is ok for that test, make sure they will give you a repair recommendation, NOT JUST TEST RESULTS.

Water is pouring from underneath where the wiring is displayed.

It's the Texas Soil, as it gets wet and dry it expands and contracts.I have no idea what will happen regarding the value if it's fixed.

Here in southern California topography, soil, lot coverage, height limitations, etc. play huge roles too.

I don't see cracking on the foundation underneath this wall, though there are some older cracks on other unfinished basement walls but this crack is fresher as shown by the paint being opened up since last painted.