Cant you just tile over the concrete? Maybe use that leveler stuff if the concrete is uneven.

I suspect that were you to paint the walls you'd have to do an amazing amount of prepwork (sandblasting or chemical stripping) to get the plaster to stick.

Are you planning to plaster or stucco over the concrete walls? If plaster, would it be installed over some underlayment (lathe, etc.)? There are some products used to help plaster adhere to surfaces. Stucco is usually just "buttered" on to cement, in my experience. Local tradesman should be able to answer this question most accurately. I think it would be possible as I can think of many buildings like yours that were lived in, first, then upgraded. It is a pretty common strategy, I think.

Molly~

Paint, sure; use a bonding agent later to get the plaster to stick. Structolite over "Link" sticks great!
Casey

Thanks for the help. The final plan is to have interior plaster with a very smooth surface and stucco or something called Agricrete or Total Wall on the exterior. I can't stand to live in grey concrete walled rooms until I can afford to have a professional plasterer finish. We have to have a roof and railing to even live in it.I was hoping I could put off the plaster work as it will run about $60,000.00.Thanks in advance. AJ