Pile foundation will transfer the load from the expansive clay on the surface to deeper, less expansive soil.

I could probably write 10,000 words about goals alone and barely scratch the surface of the topic.)Market Conditions - Are there opportunities in your target market that are appealing?  

On the surface the idea of over-leveraging scares me a bit but then again holding long term should minimize that fear somewhat.  

You never know what's hiding beyond the surface.

Another is washable paint which allows you to wipe wall surfaces down with warm soapy water versus repainting everything.

If you don't have forced air circulating in the space, then put a space heater below the window.If the mold has permeated through the drywall, and is not just on a surface that can be cleaned, then you may need to replace the drywall.Check with your local utility company to see if they offer free energy audits.

My past experience at the surface level can easily be associated to what I'm required to do as a real estate agent, but I think I need to dig deeper into how to specifcially use my past expereince as a real estate agent, and get a transaction or two under my belt as you indicated.

Holes in the walls all over the place, surface mold and the sub-floor was dilapidated.

However, after they moved out, they let the husband's brother stay there with some large dogs and he let them poop all over the house, so it smells horrendous and that's a big part of the reason it now has to be gutted, they also did a ton of damage to all surfaces.    

My old basement flooring was probably minimum depth cement & the hairline fractures, because of that, were enough for the hydrostatic pressure to literally push water up onto the surface.