Hardie boards are not being considered, too heavy of a cement-like board, There are past foundation slab issues, on dirt that wasn't graded right by contractors in this area back in those days. 

(for example if I see that the electrical service to a home has been updated well, a plumbing cleanout has been added, and then cement-fiber siding has been installed and painted well, then that tells me a great deal about what is likely to be true about the other aspects of the home, versus if I see patchwork updates and deferred maintenance galore, that also informs me on what to anticipate inside).- Pulling from tax records and any other public information source, what can you figure out about the layout of the home and the space? 

Ben Siegelbaum I have 3 places built 1910-1920 and they are solid structures with full cement basements.

It could be asbestos-cement, or wood coated with lead-based paint.

I just was shocked when I heard from my dentist friend today.

Your uncle's dentist. 

Do I a) fill in with 9-10 cinder blocks or b) use cement board and just paint the cement board (probbaly the less expensive route.

The exterior is in decent shape, the only thing is, its a dirt lot, little landscaping & cement driveway needed, depending on buyer.

I got the inspection back and there are multiple little issues and a handful of things that eventually need addressed (front porches weren't cemented to the ground, no hangers, and supports were shoddy during stair construction, and no flashing between porch and siding).

This particular company also reports the debt to all three credit bureaus.In fact, here's a direct link to Experian's website on the topic: http://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/2013/12/18/landlord-does-not-need-judgment-to-report-unpaid-rent-to-experian/It's kind of like if you don't pay a bill - like a dentist bill.