Is there any landscaping irrigation (old or new) on the property (yard, garden, trees)?  

I'm a bit of a green thumb myself...I'd probably start buying trees and shrubs on clearance in the fall and slowly add them to the back of the yard, to reduce the mowing size and increase the property value.

They say trees cant grow to the sky, but other than a earthquake, I think the Peninsula is pretty well positioned.  

Money does grow on tree in CA. :-)Good luck. 

Lot size 1.26 acres with mature trees.  

I am going to print bandit signs that I will put on trees as well on the ground using stakes to put on street corners.

With that said, I'd be happy to meet for a quick cup of coffee/tea when I'm down there in early February to learn about the Baltimore market and to discuss a fee/commission for moving forward with one of your leads !

What is the cost to remove the trees?

Of course, it's always best to have a reliable buyers list, but those don't grow on trees... (: I haven't required proof of funds in my work from cash buyers, and have not experienced any issues with it yet.

The life of the roof can vary dramatically depending on your location, number of trees around the house, weather, pitch, shade/sun exposure, etc so you'll just have to make your best guess at how much life it has left.