Lots of that cost was labor, so if you've got some time then buy a respirator and supplies and get to work.

The danger is when you wire brush old paint, the painters must make sure they have personal protective equipment, PPE, like a respirator, gloves, bunny suit, etc.

All require respirators.

Use a respirator due to fumes and ventilate the area.

If they look like fiberglass, it's a good idea to use a respirator, long sleeves, etc if you tear them out - just like dealing with fiberglass insulation. 

Wear a respirator. 

Also, when using a respirator make sure it offers the right protection.

If you do decide to continue looking at homes you should consider buying a respirator at Home Depot or Lowe's and keeping it in your vehicle for this reason. 

Like the Monday morning after a frat party bad, I wore a respirator with VOC filters and still felt like I was a 6-pack deep.

Ponder on this, you need a lead test if you are to touch any paint near a window if the house is built pre-1978, and if it tests positive, you need to hire somebody who has EPA certificate, they have to get a full coveralls, painters hat, shoe covers, and respirators, then you need an abatement company to throw away those garbage bags even if its only a few chips of paint.