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.

BTW I will be renovating three of the units kitchens and floors, and refreshing the other surfaces, so these will be a notch or two above the market for my price point.  

I like surface mounted lighting.

Disturbing any painted surface on a property built before 1978 more than 6 Sq ft requires using an EPA certified contractor.

People get divorced, they lose jobs, get arrested and go to jail, they take bankruptcy, they get sick or injured, they go into nursing homes and people die, all can present problems that bring such deals to the surface.

If it is surface mildew, there is hope.  

Just some thoughts... this may be deeper than what appears on the surface.