I think the 'problems' you mentioned aren't THAT abnormal. You said Taco came from an abusive family, well... that's probably why he bites and snarls at people. He just needs time to realize that not all people are abusive. Socializing will definitely help.
Pooping in the house... is he a puppy? Roxy is 5.5 months old and she still poops in the house once in a while. She's still learning. Even if he's not a puppy, he may still have learn too. Most of the time Roxy poops in the house because I didn't take her out often enough. Take Taco out more often than you think he needs to go. Crate training will help as well.
Chased the cats... Roxy LOVES to chase our cat. LOVES to. She barks at him too. But, she's just playing. I should post a video for you. Or maybe Taco doesn't like the cats. But who says he's not allowed to chase them if he doesn't like them? Haha. It's just a natural thing. Dogs chase cats.
Got into the cat food... totally normal too. Roxy loves loves loves sneaking the cat food anytime she can. This is NOT just a Chi thing either. One of my Labs gobbles up the cat food EVERY TIME she can. We run out of cat food sooooo fast around here. My lab also likes to stick her head in the litter box too... gross, I know. But, that's just what they do! Roxy had cat poop one time too. I think my Lab helped her get it!!
They don't know any better unless you teach them, but even if they do know better, they are most likely still going to eat the cat food and cat poop when they can get their little paws on them. Just keep the cat food and litter box where Taco can't get it. Solves the problem.
Chewed things... that's what dogs do! Maybe Taco needs more toys. Or, maybe just keep a better eye on him. Don't let him out of your site until you trust him.
Made a mess in general... I'm not sure what you're referring to, but this will definitely happen sometimes. Roxy will get into my garbage can every now and then and pull out some paper to play with and tear up. She'll have her toys laying every where around my room. She's a dog. Once again, that's what they do!
I think the problems you mentioned aren't really that big of problems to be honest. They are annoying, but most of them can easily be fixed within just a few minutes, like the cat food and litter box. Has your family ever had a dog before? Maybe that's why your parents aren't fond of this idea? I don't know your situation, so I can't say for sure... but the problems you listed are just not out of the ordinary. I've gone through all of those with our family dogs, except the snarling and biting people. They are amazing dogs and a little chasing the cats and poop in the house never hurt anybody.
I don't know how old you are, but I'm only 21, so I think you can somewhat relate to me. If you do end up having to give Taco away, I hope that you don't get another dog until your parents are completely on board, have the time, your own place, etc. to do so. I'm in college, I have my own apartment with my roommates, and a lot of time to devote to Roxy. Granted, I live at home during the summer and on breaks... but my parents are completely on board with Roxy.
I hope for Taco's sake that you can get him some kind of training or something, because I feel as though he shouldn't be moved from home to home until he at least has the chance to learn. I'm sure he's actually a really good dog!
Good luck!
Thank you Jan 
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