It effectively collects hair etc debris & absorbs staining from oils etc.

That could be the case, but if you see real estate as a long-term investment where the real payoff is holding the property for ten or more years, then trying to take a shortcut to shave a few dollars here or there is counterproductive.

Under the lower level is a walk in basement with the furnace and oil tank.

On that note, some may see home prices as too rich, may be be moving in a few years, or in a cyclical job (oil, some types of construction, etc), so they don't take the plunge on a purchase...Best of luck!

Schooling in my town is amazing, so there is no issue with that.Transportation to NYC is literally 2 minutes on every corner to the bus, so that isn't an issue.Additionally, I was told that I should stay away from homes with oil tanks for heating because if the oil tank was to leak, the soil would be contaminated and it would cause a big headache and a big whole in my wallet.

I've been a Project Manager in the Oil and Gas market for over a decade.

Before him, there were very few conventions in refining oil profitably, but he grabbed the reigns of Standard Oil, and the rest is history.  

You can control the value by seizing the opportunity and oiling the machine to max efficiency.

First, i would not furnish the places, it will probably get trashed, let them get there own furnishings and make sure that the lease says they must remove them from the property when they leave. i would have them pay for utilities, to an extent - have them pay for electric, supply the heat but give them an allowance for certain amount of months ( especially if you have older furnaces and they run on oil heat ) if they go over then you charge them for it. i converted mine to gas with new furnaces, i include heat in mine, but i control the thermostat ( online, thermostat is locked at the house ). i also provide water / sewer and free internet.

But if a guy delivering oil calls you about a house he noticed on his stops, you close, and you kick him a few bucks, I think you'll be okay.