So it seems to many people like our commissions are really big (and sometimes they are), but not as big as it first appears once you do all the math with expenses factored in.

I had a busted sewer pipe in there, which has been repaired and everything has dried up, and appears to be staying dry.

They claim to work with several banks, investors etc. their website platform and BPO appears legit.  

They appear to be 19-23 years old... 

It's the biggest value-add right now in the sunbelt it appears.

Obtaining a $200K loan to cover the tax appears to carry a similar risk of a lien, potentially jeopardizing my mortgage approval.What would you advise in this situation?

It appears no. 

From what it looks like it's the same person who responds to your email at 3 in the morning and it appears that this person may be oversees, I could be wrong but that's what it appears to be.

Their responses are articulated well, on point, appears to be from a person that has knowledge of their program, and are not point and click pre scripted responses.

Your irresistible offer appears to not have turned out so well either by your own admission and my advice is to help you and others reading this about the importance of knowing how and what to have in your contracts, how to properly vet buyers BEFORE you bring them a deal, etc. your situation is a great learning lesson for others and for yourself if you are willing to learn from your own mistakes.As to the assignment being legal or not, I am not 100% knowledgeable on NC laws, however, I have had several experienced investors tell me North C has similar laws regarding this process as does CA, FL, etc.