You might be able to re-glaze the surface too, I suggest you ask a mason about the best cure. :)

@Jacob Stark, it does seem like a no-brainer on the surface.

If not, moisten a soft cloth with this solution and wipe the surface.

(I'm sure there are some here on BP, but I've only scratched the surface of that which is the wealth of knowledge here.) 

Tax liens appear to be simplistic from the surface but are very risky for beginners. 

Brick is such a nice low maintenance exterior surface, with a natural and neutral color by itself.

I have a couple of suggestions. 1st learn to do the search yourself maybe pick a property do the search print out the stuff you find or make note then pay a title company to do it and compare results.  2nd pick the ones you like based on surface value then 3-4 days before the sale when the list is smaller pay a title company to do searches on your favorites.

Speculation Question: Does this indicate an ever-weakening surface tension of the Bay Area bubble? 

It is not just the equipment but prepping the ground with the proper amount of mulch or other surface.

We use TSP to kill mold/mildew (bleach just knocks it down) and etch the surface for the new layer of paint.