You can't demo the property (I.E. clean up ANYTHING) until you have certifications that there isn't asbestos.

My ultimate goal would be to have enough properties to generate good cash flow and to build a good net worth. 

Now your exchange acct has 150K  of cash in it so you can finish your exchange and totally defer all tax.Now, outside the exchange you have the note for 100K for which you paid 100K so there is no profit in that note and no tax due except on the interest as it comes in to you.It takes some cash to to this but can be an incredible way to keep the integrity of your 1031 exchange and generate minimally taxed cash flow outside your exchange.

We actually beat a higher priced offer due to our clean bid through the MLS.  

Unfortunately, I am usually doing the grunt work, running for materials, cleaning up garbage, and generally just keeping workers company (supervision).

I stopped registering my properties in that city to save my tenants the grief.Like most government progams, the inspection process becomes a revenue generator and is often abused.

My line of thinking is that hardwood floors may be cheaper over the long run since it's easier to clean.

Such are not marketable.Contaminated properties are high on the list to stay away from, environmental issues can be very expensive to clean up. 

A few anonymous phone calls could get the yards cleaned up or the occupants cited to court. 

YA just remember it would not be smart to do anything with the property until the IRS lien period has expired.For example if you do a clean out and put thousands to tens of thousands in repairs and the IRS decides to redeem you will not be compensated for any of that.