If it was paid by the original owner and only the owner the State would release the property back to the individual.Before a property is sent to auction the State would then do a title search and to see who has the invested interest in the property.What's not exactly clear to me, is why I can't get the owner to pay property taxes with provided funds to avoid the auction, then try to work out an agreement with Mortage company. 

Always use a warranty deed to avoid any issues with the tittle insurance when transferring tittle.Also, Ive recently learned Fannie Mae allows transfer of tittle to an LLC without accelerating the note...Fannie updated their servicing guide to state:Unless the previous borrower requests a release of liability, the servicer must process the following exempt transactions without reviewing or approving the terms of the transfer:· A transfer of the property to a limited liability company (LLC), provided that § the mortgage loan was purchased or securitized by Fannie Mae on or after June 1, 2016, and the LLC is controlled by the original borrower or the original borrower owns a majority interest in the LLC, and if the transfer results in a permitted change of occupancy type to an investment property, such change does not violate the security instrument (for example, the 12 month occupancy requirement for a principal residence).

Then the question becomes will the seller release my $5k earnest money.   

The first Lien told me they would not tell me anything within an authorization to release from the borrower, which the borrower didn’t provide.

Most professional products for ants and such work 3-6 months.I believe some/most PM's include re-leasing as part of their monthly fee.

Get a lawyer to type up a release of liability form or whatever gives you peace and unleash him.

Once the new tenant takes over, you are released from all liability.Go by what is in the lease, not what the Landlord says or writes in an email.

@Faith Burton I wish I could get a better look but from what I can tell the can got shook up, that traps bubbles in the varathane and they stay once applied if the can isn’t gently stirred to release them.

Most likely the $20000 repair will be escrowed and released as projects get done.

Listen to BRRRR podcast recently released.