You can easily look them up on https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/If they are a commercial lender, you may want to check for google reviews

They can review the restriction and let you know if there’s a straightforward path or if it’s going to be an uphill battle.

Lets review some major points as they are pertinent to my advice.1.  

My current agent suggested if it made sense financially, to do some rehab work to get the properties rent-ready, but I do not have the liquid funds to do so and sell these as-is.

Does anyone have any suggestions, advice or a strategy to share with me?

I highly suggest you go.And it's VEGAS!!!

It wasn’t on the lease, and it was starting to rot, posing a safety hazard.We knew tearing it down would cause an uproar, so instead, I suggested something a bit unconventional.

So I get your hesitation to be too demanding and your desire for the problems to go away as fast as they can, however since you have NO property manager ( I don't use one either), it is incumbent that you take a more ACTIVE approach with management of your property.Let's review your situation.  1st time leak occurred, you sent a plumber over to find the problem.  

I suggest checking out some of the meetups on BPs meetup page:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a list of all the other Chicago meetups that I can share with you.

Any suggestions is appreciated