We'll go check out the operations. 

We did have a few called and we simply cut a check to retire the mortgage.

@Emily Gowen so as you pointed out you would not have to do a 1031 exchange on your current home to avoid the capital gains tax and coupled with what Dave Foster pointed out I think, speaking from experience you would have a high likelihood of success. 

When you tell them they will only get paid when the loan closes, they will disappear.If required, the only money you should ever send to the lender is for a credit check.

I'm going to check into the HOA Organization docs!

I’m from the NYC area, but the prices here are out of my budget. 

All brokers, realtors, wholesalers, etc... you need to check this list before you call anyone!!!!

Others either have a check sent right to them or have another piece of property the get this STAR rebate for.

Go out in society and evaluate how many have done it.

Suggest you try one out (just one!)