You can make a condition of your offer that the duplex be delivered empty.

Ideally, you will start them off with a fresh filter and clearly stipulate they are responsible for changing it during their tenancy.

Fresh kitchens give you a nice bump with regards to rental rates and refis. 

The cycle will keep on going - fresh batch of smarter people coming to California and forcing many poorer locals (by California standard) out to another state, while the net population keeps increasing.The pandemic may have changed the equation with the advent of reliable remote working, but I doubt that the most innovative companies in the world (which are based in California) will move their core mission-critical work out of California anytime soon. 

We decided to take a fresh look at all the towers either going up or firmly on a drawing board.

You just offer the 100k and your buyer is to deliver a free and clear home.The title company or the attorney will do a title exam and get payoffs for the liens. 

I personally deliver all contracts to the Title company, continuously check on status, and contact both the Seller and Buyer with any questions/ info the Title company ay need.

I've heard good things about Mountain Commerce for local banks, but my lenders in Nashville somehow always deliver the best rates.

I would want it delivered empty or forget it.

@Allan Smith delivering the goods!