shouldn't be hard have you had it checked for asbestos

No. I still have to do this. I don't think the removal is hard. I've heard that painting it after can be a problem because of the residue left after removal.

Why not just do a skim coat of joint compound over it - or get a drywall person to do it. No 'disturbing' potential asbestos and even if there was, it's safely encapsulated. Several youtube videos on this.