(this is something I know nothing about, so any info would be appreciated--such as recommendations on engineers/contractors who do that type of work, what types of reinforcements people are doing, ballpark cost estimates or what people have paid, has anyone witnessed a reinforced older home survive an earthquake, etc., etc. ...any info would be appreciated).Lastly, a more general question:  what (if anything) are folks in earthquake zones doing to protect their homes or property portfolios from earthquakes? 

I have witnessed racial bias first hand on several occasions.

The fact is you can look at the court record as much as you want and come to a conclusion as to whether you think the foreclosure was done properly or not and it really doesn't matter a wit. 

If you think there's a risk to your physical safety, bring a couple witnesses.

The lien should not effect the mortgage rate but the lender will more then likely require it to be paid off prior to or at closing and get a lien release that can be filed along wit the mortgage.  

I'm sure you witnessed for years certain clients building up their portfolios while you continued to provide them with the financing they needed to acquire them.  

Granted we have just witnessed one if the longest real estate recoveries in our lifetime following the largest crash in our lifetime (assuming none of us experienced the Great Depression) but there are no major signs of real estate faltering right now.  

I'd agree with @George W. It's

but these guys wouldn't give me any info on the people, once I found out they were there. it's a long story, but I was so sick of trying to argue obvious things to a brick wall that I offered to let them use their last months rent for February with no notice. they wrote up the contract that night along with something saying the verbal agreement we made was binding, and included a signed copy of the witnesses statement.

I take pictures and have a witness.