I’ve been out of touch on the laws recently, so don’t know the current status of the law.

Hiring counsel will give you the confidence and piece of mind to focus on your very demanding everyday life while you disentangle yourself from this woman.I'm a bit confused about her status. 

(In California - to property manage rentals above 30 days, we would need to have a brokers license)We have gotten some requests from guests for stays above 30 days (usually 2-3 months).

I use a management company so didn't advertise to any of my STR guests that I was the owner.

Are there presently any open permits on the property, and what is the reason and status?

@Sophia Boro for your own home where you plan to stay a while, that’s your call for the safety of you, your family and guests, especially if you personally knew the quality level of the contractor.

Neither of us will be able to get the real estate professional status nor will we be able to make use of the STR loophole.

The lis pendens you found in the land records was a clue to check the court records for the status of the litigation.  

(believe me, it was much more painful move out and sell our last homes in Alaska than to move out of rentals)A couple of BiggerPockets podcast guests have stated that they don't own a primary residence -- they invest where the returns are good and live where they want -- for as long as they want -- and use the rental income to pay rent.While I was still a Dave Ramsey, no-debt adherent, I bid (and won) some cheap tax deeds.   

I was envisioning some dude with expensive bespoke suits, gold watches and driving around in a Rolls Royce but he was super chill and down to earth.