Your loan amount has bearing on cap gains tax due.....it’s is calculated on your costs of the property verses your sales price, less actual selling/closing costs.....doesn’t matter if you borrowed 100% or paid all cash.

Unfortunately $50k doesn’t go very far is Los Angeles.

That clerical person often doesn't have a license. 

I hope this doesn't detract from your post, but I am on the other side of this same equation and have some related questions.

I've run into issues where it's a such a hassle to call apartment buildings that don't answer and then refuse to talk to you unless you FAX over a signed lease, and doesn't always tell you much anyway.

But that doesn't mean it can't be done. 

In TX the tradition is that other than the original deed of trust balance, the state doesn't know your mortgage balance.

But it doesn't help me for my current situation.

This building doesn't have a kitchen, but one could be added fairly easily. 

This doesn't even factor in other things in the house that need to be eventually replaced over time like the HVAC and water heater, flooring (depending on what its made of), and other appliances (oven, microwave, dishwasher).