If it is/was an automotive repair business I'd be concerned about underground storage tanks, surface contamination, etc. 

There are more factors to consider here but from a surface level, it seems your $ will go further in another market or perhaps locally with a different property type (i.e. small multifamily).Lastly, I like @Andrew Jennings Freerks' point regarding claiming hardship or another workaround for keeping your unit as a rental.

It is something that an owner will tolerate when they move but I don't want to replace a couple of couches, deal with spray on a ton of vertical surfaces, etc.No cats. 

Actually cash value policies may look cheaper on the surface, but they are a trap.

the downstairs is a mishmosh of surfaces and we plan to laminate over them..My first issue is obviously cost... the cost to refinish them vs the carpet... 

I also suspect there are no drainage provided.

That's (1/6) the dry surface area of the planet.A lady in Australia named Gina Rinehart owns 23 million acres of land.Ted Turner owns 2 million acres.The LDS Church owns more than 1.7 million acres.Bill Gates owns 270,000 acres of American farmland.The investment firm BlackRock owns the majority of single family houses in the country.Just saying.

What are my best options for leveling the garage floor so I have a flat surface to begin the interior build out on?

Our original inspector noted a drainage issue on the north side because of improper sloping.

Just look at the debate we're habing over lumber - thats just one material and we've barely scratched the surface.