A license is required if there is a way for the buyer to vacate an option-to-purchase contract, and the individual begins performing real estate functions such as marketing the subject property, bringing in a buyer, etc.

Further, that the debtor prays for a quick foreclosure is only relevant to the extent that he may elect not to use legal maneuvers to delay the foreclosure.The process of bankruptcy can be very long and costly for creditors, as well as debtors, with many delays, traps, and court rulings that defy logic and fairness.

You need to take him to court and get a judgement against him.

Spent ~50,000 to add a more functional bathroom and full kitchen to convert the space to a more residential layout.

At one meeting with the housing court judge, he stated that this did not just apply to the LL but also Tenants -- they need to give the same notice depending on length of tenancy.

After looking over the things you said you'll be doing, I wouldn't roll all of them into one fee, because they cross lines of functions. 

You have a couple of options here: go yourself to the county court house and look up the property at the recorder of deeds or the prothonotary's office, you may also pay a title/abstract company to look up the property (this would be a local company, and there should be several available to you in your area).

However, like all enforcement of court orders, the sheriff is there to transfer possession back to the landlord on day three. 

Watsapp guys,I am about to buy a house at Sheriff Sale Auction and found an investor to finance it all cash, but I am kind of confused about other liens on the house.Should I do a title search or just go to the court house and Check for liens there?

It’s going to be hard to overcome that in court, in my opinion.Anyway, since you asked about your rights with regard to withholding rent, in your state (like most) there is something called the “implied warranty of habitability”.