Some say my soil report not that good and need to involve county as well.

This specific contingency gives you ample opportunity to inspect the house, and cancel the escrow for one reason or another.Also, bear in mind, the seller wants to sell, so the easier, and simpler the transaction, the more desirable the offer. 

Do you see deers and bears moving in too?

And while bankruptcy is a federal case (lol) state law will have a bearing on what may be discharged.

I would think the westside, bearing among the most 'affluent' cities would be home to the highest LA tax rates, with perhaps Los Angeles city itself being the highest (sadly including pacific palisades), followed by west hollywood, santa monica, beverly hills, malibu as the other top 4? 

It happens all the time in Bear Lake with no problem.  

Among many, particularly if you're using debt for your project, you'll want a phase 1 environmental report, a geotechnical report to ensure the soils are stable, possibly wetlands report and endangered species if you really want to get into it, an ALTA survey and an extensive title search.

I think the strategy that's rising to the top in my mind is that I need to not 'poke the bear' by making a big deal about this at this point.

This is like comparing a bear to a mountain.  

Some states require that the deposit is placed in an interest bearing account.