Every time I've dealt with attorneys they have been extremely expensive.  

@Jeff Wallenius I do agree that having a team on the ground is extremely important.

I am an extremely motivated 20 year old living in the Bay Area.

This site has been extremely helpful.

Plus the guy previous to him I had no issues with, quiet as a mouse.Thinking of kicking him to the curb now that it's rental season (by May 1st, since he will be out by then).

@Jonah WilsonIf the lien was placed by contractors that were never actually contracted to do the work, the property owner shouldn't have much trouble defeating that lien through a quiet title action.

Theoretically, you can get a little more leverage if you're the first in with an offer extremely quickly after listing or last in (i.e. the property is stale on the market).

Once you start working you will have some cash to start the improvement projects to make it sharp and extremely rentable when you are ready for your next primary residence.The improvements could be carefully selected so they are a reasonable cost of improvement but provide the Sizzle tenants desire and the durability you want as an owner.

So there is no need to do a quiet deed transfer prior to sale.  

We're fairly new to the MF game, but they're extremely supportive and genuine and will help you accomplish your goals any way they can.