[gregpark]

Ive done lots of sand and finish original floors for people. It's going to be very rustic if you're ok with that. Personally, I love it. The more rustic the better. Most everyone wants perfect wood floors...boring!
On adhesive removal, there's never been asbestos used in any VAT adhesive. If it's black it's old school Asphalt cut back. Really nasty messy stuff and a challenge to clean up. Back in the day we used gasoline to thin it on cold days to trowel it out. It's not toxic in itself but you'll be using a powerful solvent to clean it up.