.- Permits and Fees (Includes Entitlements, Utility, Plan Review, Inspections, Any required studies, Reports, Environmental) - Reach out to your local municipality or whoever will be providing your permit.- Financing/Taxes and Holding costs - Talk with the bank that you have your home mortgage.

I do see that masonry cleaning/chemical wash (the prep work) - "may require an air pollution control permit from the Environmental Permitting and Inspections Section of the CDPH"And then digging further I see there's also a separate Architectural Surface Cleaning Permit could be required.Anyone have experience with this?

Make sure your purchase is contingent on passing this test.Once your parcel is deemed suitable to support a septic/waste system, the soil engineer can proceed by preparing a topographical survey (known in the biz as a “topo”) to determine the natural flow of water and the potential risk of pollution.

Company states the following:" Due to the presence of damaged asbestos containing materials and debris, a Procedure 5 (P5) cleanup plan is required to be generated by a Certified Asbestos Consultant (CAC), such as JLM Environmental, and approved by the SCAQMD prior to asbestos abatement in accordance with SCAQMD Rule 1403."

The well housing should extend above ground to prevent any surface pollution to enter the well pit.

Maybe you’ll say I’m dumb for not caring or not educating myself in these things, but I can’t get involved with out feeling like I’m polluting my mind and my heart. 

Apparently there are pollutants in the soil.

seller wouldn't pay for a Phase 2 (assuming we are talking environmental)...

Unfortunately in CA the environmental regulations have driven the cost of EVERYTHING used in construction up.

Environmental Protection Agency, and a residential building energy analysis, as defined in § 54.1-1144, in accordance with the terms and conditions as may be contained in the real estate purchase contract, but in any event, prior to settlement pursuant to such contract.