I would just like to be pointed in the right general direction, instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off.I am asking for help for my FIRST DEAL, SHAMELESSLY so.

I am looking to buy my first property for myself to live in so I can cut the cost of rent.

I don't know what your local code is, but if you have to loop them there's nothing easier than cutting the copper on both sides and looping it with a Sharkbite or similar push-fitting repair line.

Ultimately there is no way to stop this but you can use process of elimination to cut down on getting the ones from all the morons (as I call them).

So getting one mortgage on a property I already own instead of two on new purchases went much easier with the bank and also cut my closing cost in half!

I under cut market prices and give people more than they expect.

I usually get 14 so my private lender has enough time to get the time and sit down with me so we can talk, and cut me a check. 

Now how that all actually plays out with insurance, attorneys and courts in individual cases, and at what costs in money and time, that's the rub.There is usually an insurance policy on the tank, to cover leaks, as part of the price of the fuel, so check with the seller on that.I would certainly recommend making your deal contingent on a clean leak test (and decommissioning if that's what you choose) and have your deal effectively read such that if the test comes back with water in the tank, ie the tank has leaked, then you can walk from the deal and get your EM back.The existence of a UST, especially if in use and not leaking, in no way needs to be a required deal killer though. 

No income for 2016 tax year, loss calculated.If I don't get tax filed by cut off date, would Uncle Sam be penalising me for that?

I understand that financing the entire deal cuts into my cashflow with a higher mortgage.