So I would do what you can to scrape up the money to get legal help OR if your name is on the properties then drop the price to sell them so they cover the mortgage amount and walk away.Look at it from the perspective of what is it going to cost you to litigate versus just get out now?

If the lender contests the funds release and don't choose to release the escrow funds back to you, it can get tied up in litigation and after 3 years will be surrendered to the state by the title company.Your best bet is to go with a legitimate company that will be up front and transparent with you about the terms and costs before you are already committed.Seems like everyone is telling you the exact same thing so I really do hope you make the right decision here.

It ended up being on the Harris Count Civil Clerks site.

Civil laws are written to state What is illegal, not to affirmative state what's legal.

Do not pass go, go straight to jail and pay the $14,000 fine.....plus whatever civil costs arise. 

Now that it is, I'm curious why there doesn't seem to be any pushback, revolt, or litigation challenging it.

I would not place San Diego on a listed with difficult permits or inspectors (but have encountered some arrogant ones who seem to like the power they yield but I figure it is because they have a civil servant job that will not pay significant dividends until they retire in city pension. 

Because people fall in love with returns and do not ask how is that possible…Of course investigation is ongoing but this is all alleged.https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26076

Whether it is litigation or surveillance I would do whatever it takes to protect yourself and your investment 

A civil engineer may be able to help or point you in the right direction.