Transferring the lien back to the property requires solar company permission. so far my research and back-and-forth communication have revealed this much.

the other thing you said that reveals where your at and is a good self-revelation is that you want to move from major renovations. 

The investor even nonchalantly said that I don't have to reveal our numbers.

That will reveal who's full of it and who's not.

It might reveal where it makes the most sense to invest.

This will reveal any existing liens, easements, or encumbrances on the property.County Records: Review the property's history and any associated documents in the county's official records where the property is located.

It seems a local referral would help reveal the nuances of that company and market.

This is negotiating business, you don't get what you deserve - you get what you negotiate.Somehow, I don't believe any agent is so stupid to reveal info to hurt their Client.

Title insurance should also reveal if the trustee has this ability.To clarify, if a trust names someone who is deceased as a beneficiary, the trust would then name someone else, or would name their estate (the reasons behind forming trusts in the first place would seem to indicate that it would be another person, since their are tax benefits and probate avoidance).  

This will help reveal which strategies make the most sense to pursue.