Also, it will be good if I can get an idea of total out of pocket expense before SBA loan , not including down payment.Site surveys, soil testing, environmental studies, archaeological surveys, perk testing, wildlife studies, code variances, and I can keep going on and on and on. 

I know there are probably better house hacking deals if we looked further out in Newark, Rutherford etc. but the other half needs to be closer to the city with her work.1 big downside, there is currently an oil tank that provides the heat/hot water to the entire building, I'm trying to see if the seller is willing to remove prior to closing (I'm aware of the environmental disaster issue).1) Assuming we need to stay this close to the city, does this look like a good first time deal?

Tax sales are a way for a SELLER to get rid of a property that they can't sell otherwise; like toxic waste sites, mold problem, hazardous material problem, environmental problem, failed septic, failed well, encroachment, title flaw/defect, IRS problem.

You need to find a good environmental consultant to check those things during your due diligence period, as all add to cost for maintenance and repairs, and increase your liability.

If you think there is a chance that they will sue, you may want to consider having someone from an environmental company come in and get air samples.

If so and even if not, you need to pay for a phase 1 environmental report.- utilities:  septic, public sewer, well water vs municipal water.  

I doubt it would fit the "if I started over" title, but I'd be happy to write on environmental and property condition due diligence.

There may also be a liability for environmental issues if one is in the chain of title, but I would like to believe environmental issues are lesser with residential properties.

I know I will learn a ton about these topics on BiggerPockets.com.I work as an Environmental Consultant during the week where I escape to rest up from my weekend and evening real estate projects. 

Since it is "AS IS", am I required to give the buyer time for inspections, including physical and environmental, documentation of the property and title?