How does the neighbors property's drainage impact yours?        

@Antonio Yang  The recessed lights are much nicer than standard surface mount light fixtures. 

I would assume water issues over time caused this, so drainage would need to be done at some point. 

This means you need to vacuum every single surface that may have fleas, carpets, rugs, couches, chairs, etc.

What do you understand about proper lot drainage or checking for easements and how they can affect your project? 

I don't think this is considered natural flow.The solution should be for my neighbor to provide drainage within his property.Have you experience such discussion in Chicago?

Theres other solutions such as filling the cracks as well as floating the entire surface with a thin layer of epoxy concrete, but unfortunately that too is only a temporary fix.  

you can not depreciate land but you can depreciate land improvments such as roads, drainage etc..I have many clients who have made substantial fortunes in the real estate business and for many years paid very little tax because of depreciation.

Is that counter top solid surface?

Fast forward I get out there to find the mold, is on the surface and easily wiped off.