I am not arguing that tearing off the porch is the best way to do it, but sometimes there is a less expensive option that works too.

He's willing to help however he can and wants us, when this is done, to buy the rest of the land too.  

Pictures are shown below but the one thing that is missing from the photos is the putrid smell of cat urine and feces (along with other odors too).  

We can also tell you about some serious money losers too.

Biggest thing is that if it comes in low, go over it with a fine tooth comb to see what you can get them to change.

Hey Michael,  I've looked too.  

Since you recorded the mortgage, it will come up on a title search just as a conventional mortgage would and you will just need a payoff letter and discharge drafted up for the refinance closing (your title company can help with that too).The only caveat is that most banks will want you to season the rental for 6-12 months before refinancing any amount above the initial loan.

In my personal experience if the buyer is financing the property then the bank will likely want the septic pumped and inspected and possibly the well water tested too.

The title company should've questioned the uncashed checks too. 

You just need to find out what it is called in CA, and you can use it too.