As long as you are not eating the paint chips with lead in them  you are typically fine. https://www.epa.gov/lead

Typically not unless you are replacing the under-layment as well.

So I assume whatever process that you say will be required would be to ensure that such a scheme is not an attempt to subvert the "related party" issue... although that is typically accomplished by an affidavit at closing.

Can someone recommend me a firm that does this, and what are the costs typically (ie percentage of purchase price, single dollar amount, etc.)I'd like to do it myself but would feel 1000 times better knowing I'm doing it in addition to a professional company and see what disparities arise between their analysis and mine. 

I am a golf professional so I typically snowbird for work.  

Property with structures typically have a wider spread.

I typically use the app during the evenings.

But, lenders typically apply the escrow balance to the loan payoff and that reduces your loan payoff. 

$50K is typical for many syndicated deals.

I typically just remove them, add a bit more lighting to the "closet washer/dryer area" (usually what's in those kinda closets) and bob's your uncle.