Regarding Ice melt, preorder it and store securely (in dry spot) on-site for contractor to save on costs.

Take a secured loan against a vehicle that is paid off.

If I put a piece of say 2X3 over the tiled wall, from one end of the sink to the other end, covering the damaged tiles, secured with perhaps recessed Tapcon screws. 

Make a lower offer subject to a reserve public auction, offer the seller a 10% hybrid (10% of anything you get over what you offered), make full disclosures, get right of possession (so you can clean the house up and show it to prospective buyers), build in an extension in the event you need more time and use banking days for settlement.

While I'm a huge believer in using public records as a lead source (that's what my company does), there are some things that are better sourced at other points in the process.

There are no structures on this lot and even when there was it was serviced by public sewer at the street.

My passion is to work directly with buyers to secure the perfect financing options.  

(It's public record)  your buyer may not be on your mailing list, he may be next door.Well like I said, no guarantees that these tips will work but at least maybe they wil give you some additional ideas.

I never noticed fire hydrants until I worked with public utilities, now I spot them everywhere and can rattle off the brand and (approximate) age without much difficulty. 

If not, it may be a better time investment to try and secure better financing for yourself.