There are still issues here, common law marriages, estate issues, heirs, as a lender/note holder you may be able to clear these issues with foreclosure if the folks don't fight you on it, but you'd be selling and excess amounts would go to the estate, who could give a deed with that mess?

But, they don't have to load them up on the MLS, they could do a Fee Agreement/Authorization to Show instead of an open listing at 5%.

In the land records, you should see any liens by HOA, tax authority, other creditors etc along with other encumbrances.  

I spoke with one attorney who said to just appeal directly to the county - so I did through their web site but they denied my request after looking at what ever "they" looked at.

I read a book called The Not So Big House about 10ish years ago when I was remodeling my own house and one of the things the author talked about was huge entries and how they make houses feel.

James, before you meet with the city I suggest investigating whether there are as-built drawings on file with the jurisdictional authority.

Your other concern is saying that in addition to stated provisions effecting the earnest money deposits, other matters relating to specific performance in addition to those provisions, that either party may seek to enforce the contract in amounts in excess of the earnest money deposited, that those provisions and amounts are not the only remedy at law or in equity.

The author recently passed away I regret to say, but the tactics he teaches in this book will live forever. 

Need a cut off amount authorizing a manager to incur debt or expense monies in the course of administration without member consent, like $500.00 Someone has to pay the utility bill or buy stationary without making it a board meeting event.

I've since found some great web resources for Subject To's.