Your only option would really be to partner with him, but I'm not sure why he would share.If your post had indicated that you are a fighter, that you tend to look at things "for the principle of the matter" and that you don't like being pushed around, I'd advise that you buckle up, get your checkbook out and hire a great lawyer. 

No one has ever objected (or been late with rent) since I switched!

How your 401K fits into meeting your financial objectives during that time would depend on a wide variety of variables.

If its a known problem in that area, they shouldn't object too much.

And how does it fit into your goals and objectives?

If they do find a problem/objection to title, we don’t know what your contract says regarding you delivering clear title, or what other outs they may have.Is he an actual buyer, or just trying to wholesale?

For me, it's not about the money, it's about principle.

I can't believe that there will be equity in it as far as what I've paid on the principle, so is the idea that I'd make improvements to the place throughout that year with the rent (even though I think I should do it before I rent it out, right?)

As I understand your objectives, you want a commercial real estate asset that will produce income for you.

Not sure I like all that money not going toward the principle.