Once you pay off the mortgage the lien will be released and you (deed holder) not the note holder will own the property free & clear.

I do have a purchase contract, as well as an authorization release for her lender.I guess I am just worried about her perception of signing the deed, without getting her payout yet.Can the deed be recorded and held open?  

You can also request for copies of the final releases from his vendors and material-men.  

I often read that it is a good idea to refinance a property as soon as possible to release money for another deal.

Can I buy for cash and then later refinance as an owner/occupier to FHA or USDA to release capital (for investment property goals)?

My PM reluctantly released the property “without penalty” and Derrick jumped right in.

There was some title cleanup to do after the purchase and we ended up releasing a number of liens and assigning others, and in drafting these documents discovered that the information included in the summary was frequently inaccurate.  

We've released V1 of our BiggerPockets Android app -- basically a web version of the full site on the Google Play store with Keyword Alert push notifications.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?

The title company won't release the money if both parties are not in agreement with who the money is released to despite what the contract says.  

As you probably realize now, you need to get partial releases signed as you make draw payments, and a final release signed Upon final payment, for your own protection, not just because a lender or title co. requires it.