The risk just isn't worth any fee.For long-time, existing clients who need something for the lender, most firms have a boilerplate template that clearly states the scope of the services that they provide to the client, that they have not audited or examined the financials and provide no assurance, and that it is the lender's responsibility to perform due diligence, etc.

Examine everything constantly.

But if you want that money that you spent to fix it back, or if you can take that money and "leverage" it into another investment, then it would certainly be worth examining.

The CA DRE requirements to get a license:Age: You must be 18 years of age or older to be issued a license.Residence: If you are not a California resident, see Out-of-State Applicants (Each applicant must qualify for the appropriate written examination in California and meet all other requirements.

I am currently examining multiple properties as a newbie and first time investor. 

I took my exam in Albany on July 16th.

You won't know until someone will examine it for you so just do that.  

I just passed the Broker Exam in Illinois.

So long as the title examination did not reveal anything to tie the judgment to the former owner, the affidavit may suffice. 

It really does seem to good to be true:I am a mortgage lender and very often I pull title on a property to find that a previous lien or in some cases a Release has been missed:I would suggest hiring someone who works as a title examiner and have them go to the recorder of deeds office at the county and do their own research.