Why should I pay to pump your septic tank ?  

When they hit hard times the last person to step in should be the landlord, Government, friends, banks, loan sharks all come to mind ahead of me helping out any individual.

Many of the instillation companies have a yard full of old tanks with the knob on it that you need. 

I wasn't on vacation, but the tenant called the service company, they came, took a look and said that the water tank is busted.

You may not find where it say's private lender's can't, you may in state laws, but you'll see where charging up front fees come under loan sharking except for registered lenders.

About the only solution I had, while I waited for the promised city connect was regular (every 3 weeks or so) pumping of the septic tank and a jerry rigged grey water system for things like laundry.While this was a costly nightmare on the positive side I learned the value of city relationships.   

In my area for 25 lots, each having their own tank it's about $4k/septic tank+drain field so that would be about $100k, and I'm assuming a well would be about $30-$50k.

Here are some things to look for from an Insurance prospective:1.Any in-ground tanks (active or inactive)2.Any Knob & Tube or Aluminum Wiring3.If built before 1978, does the building have Lead Safe certifications4.Any wood stoves or secondary heating units.

The current owner installed a new propane furnace with a large tank in the backyard three years ago.

If you don't have good systems in place and some operating experience, you are just as likely to tank the business as you are to add value.