However, the forecasted growth suggests increasing confidence among investors returning to the market.

Always run title to check for any clouds, try not to gamble on super small tracts of land like this unless confident in own title searching capabilities.

I feel confident in property management, so I am ready to move to a different niche, what should my next step be?

Most importantly at the end of the day, you have to feel confident with your choice.

Is it true that if I get a title search (and it comes back clean) that I can be pretty confident there are no additional liens or monies owed that I'll now be responsible for paying off? 

I am fairly confident that just the front unit alone will appraise to the sale price.Main problem I have right now is the legal issues with unpermitted units.

In my case, I have relatives who are builders (in a different state) but have good connections with subs, etc. and I am spending the time to personally review all proposals (obtaining some on my own as a check), etc. so that I am confident that the cost incurred is appropriate. 

With a HELOC, determination, due diligence, and a bit of luck, I am confident that I will achieve success in this REI.

I am representing a few right now and having taken a close look at the financials, I can confidently say that these can be a very smart investment.  

Get used to underwriting properties to build confidence.