Something could happen to intensify that like geopolitical stuff, environmental bans, and the fact that it is now able to be exported by ship from the us hinging its price to a worldwide demand not just within the continent. 

They are ok with allowing a 60-day DD period to evaluate the real estate itself (given that environmental inspections and whatnot will likely take that long).  

You can use the EPA website and punch in the address to see if there are any known environmental issues.

Plus arch fee of 8k to custom design the home we had tight environmental set backs ..

Lots of Savings accounts, we manage our money well and are very credit conscious.

For example, if the seller is very credit-conscious and is willing to sell you to sub-to, but really wants to get the loan out of their name AND/OR there's a lot of equity in the deal, then guess what kind of buyer you're going to work your butt off to get?  

Going through him means a small sacrifice on returns, far was a conscious decision on my part to build a relationship to see if he might be a vehicle to bring me third-party notes {he claims he deals with a small, but steady stream}.  

With the world moving towards becoming more energy conscious and renovating homes for the future of our cities, does it make sense financially and logistically (time scales) to build more innovative homes with a focus on energy independence and less waste? 

I would consider asking the seller to remove the tank and get a "no further action" certificate from the State Environmental office (that's what it's called here in NC - not sure if it is the same in NJ but pretty certain there is an equivalent.

if it was an auto repair shop, there could be environmental liabilities.