With respect to your financing question, in today's low interest rate environment, any lender will provide reasonable rates for borrowing.    

I'm under the impression that a lot of those remediation companies have very high bills because they are used to billing one's insurance and getting as much out of them as they can.Since my environment is so different, and building styles probably, I don't think I can offer any better advice on finding the source of your 'substance'.

Anyone with any experience in developing similar projects, financing, navigating the regulatory environment, etc.

Probably smart in this environment anyway to leave a little more equity in the property

We operate in a "winner take most" environment that sorts a few out for massive wealth.

If your home environment is contributing to your debt, then maybe consider a roommate situation somewhere if it would actually be cheaper than living where you are now, but if it's just a matter of needing your own space, keep being patient and paying off debt instead of moving.

The term is not intended to include de minimis conditions that generally do not present a material risk or harm to public health or the environment and that generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if brought to the attention of the appropriate governmental agencies."

We live in an inflationary environment so I have inflation comes sooner than later.

Because Orange County has a great environment for Vacation Rentals, I will use that for my example. 

Thx Matt R, it helps to hear about our local environment.