I Like crack foundation it tends to scare people off, I've done several projects with crack foundation,  1) Anything is fixable in a property as long as it's accounted for during your purchase 2) I typically get my structural engineer to inspect and make a recommendation on what needs to be done to fix the foundation 

You also gain the benefit of the VA so there's no health insurance costs.

We run as many legitimate expenses through the company as possible... health care, car payments, car insurance,  company lunches (1/2 credit for taxes on those), telephones, internet, and this year even our annual meeting of our corporation (of 2 employees!!) 

There are some properties that I am really interested in but,I am just scared to take any action because most of these deals are "as is" and I don't really know what to look for before making an offer (I do check the comps in the area, etc.)

If you're scared you'll find an excuse.

The thought of my fellow Houston drivers holding a pile of metal over my head scares pants off of me.

Don't know what IL does, but in OR, call the state public health dept.  

Don’t want to scare you, just wanted the on the ground Intel to get to you!

My wife was not happy when I dumped  money into real-estate after the 2008 crash she was scared .I knew I had the work  ethic to plow ahead so I  went ahead .But what you are talking about goes to a level not about real-state  3 months is quick but hey I married after 3 months been married for decades .Try counseling some where this  might gets things out in open ?

Health hazards, like excessive dust, likely won't comply with regulations.