I went by my friends word alone-big mistake, next time I will check with secretary of state to make sure they are registered and not give them any money until permits are pulled.   

Certificate of Good Standing you request from the Secretary of State.

The bank tells me that I need to register with the CA Secretary of State, which then causes me to pay the $800 CA LLC fee.

In KY you can do it online on the Secretary of State's Website.

His secretary also mentioned that if I was serious about this she would let the attorney know so that they can stop it from going to foreclosure. 

Nothing can really stop you, but that non-registered LLC will be illegally transacting business in the state and is subject to fines and violations by both the Secretary of State and the revenue body.

@Jeremy Blackman  have you tried going on the Secretary of State page and doing it yourself?

You're no longer an engineer, secretary, or sales guy - if you want to acquire your first deal - tell everyone - "I buy and sell houses".2.

It is a daily challenge to navigate the local, county, state and federal governments; local Code Enforcement, Housing Authorities, Department of Real Estate, Franchise Tax Board, Secretary of State, IRS, Dept. of Fair Housing & Employment, HUD...to name a few. 

I was able to contact the secretary of state and pay a filing fee ($30 in FL ) to change or add an officer to the LLC, and or Corp.