Mold was present in the basement upon inspection and there was some pooling water.

I think most Landlords don't have a policy or it's not well presented up front.

My post is just answering some of the questions the OP presented.

Several points but no this is not the future of home flipping:-With your presentation, you pointed out all of the costs of selling with the conventional way of flipping but omitted them with your method. 

It always boils down to the main part of the home, and what type of soil was it built on.I have seen 150 year old homes that were in perfect condition and well maintained, these homes usually sat on elevated grounds with good drainage (which limits the movement of the foundation).When a house is built on flat ground and or where clay is present.

Attorney Bill Dolan will be presenting. 

How can I present him with an offer with terms so sweet he can't refuse, but at the same time use as little of my own money as possible?

Any information or advice is always welcome, as I am in a stage of immense learning and growth, and if there are any other Chicago folks present hit me up anytime!

To your point, it likely wouldn't be a deal breaker, but presenting this to the seller (assuming they're not doing much in the way of BCs) as an additional liability for me may be to my advantage, no?

You want to make sure your properties are taken care of otherwise larger problems can present themselves.I work with lower-income tenants and I take care of my properties.