If it is not in the contract, the contractor has the right to believe they are not responsible for it. 

Why would someone with years of experience hop onto an online forum just to mess with you?

Thank you everyone for your responses thus far. 

Lots of material online.  

Technically, it's the responsibility of the lender to cancel the mortgage.However, as private lenders we typically request that the closing agent draft the cancellation document and send it after the closing is completed.The lender can then execute (sign, notarize & have witnessed) the cancellation doc and then return the original to the closing agent for recordation.

I typically use regional banks to fund my deals but my 2 go-to banks have either slowed or fully stopped investment loans so recently I've connected with several online brokers but all came from ads or they reached out to me vs personal recommendations and intros so I have concerns. 

I also did some investigating online and see the renter has a tendency not to hold down a job.I offered asking price (fair market) because it was the sellers bottom line and the fact there were already tenants renting.

I think you are answering your own question here - if you can't find reviews or much info online then....

Thanks, everyone, for the responses and support!

I am also a lender with Upright and am able to get responses when I email them, but it takes a while.