Here's a book I found extremely helpful:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Home-Wiring-Comprehensive/dp/0865734291
Among other things, it's got a great section on mapping out existing wiring. You'll be able to determine which circuits are overloaded, which ones are underutilized, etc... Well worth doing before you get to work, or before you hire someone to do any work.
The only thing I didn't like about the asbestos insulation is that the wrap seems to be peeling off in at least one spot. If you're going to be working in the area, you don't want to be bumping that and ending up with friable asbestos.
A friend of mine had a long length of asbestos wrapped pipe in his basement. We wet it down and carefully wrapped it in several layers of plastic. THEN we cut it out. Called a local abatement guy and he picked it up.