I now have a key in the glove box of my new car since we came home one evening and the power was off.  

If there is a title insurer willing to issue owners coverage without exception to claims of unknown heirs or the use of a power of attorney (I highly doubt all your foreign sellers will travel to the US to dump this property), then things should be fine.That, however, does not eliminate the need to deal with FIRPTA.

I just had the will power to fight the negativity.

When money is not invested it loses it spending power due to inflation.

If a California investor can pay our property taxes and their income taxes and still make money overpaying for the house, more power to them.  

I truly believe in the power of real estate for F.I but stocks have also played a big role.

Dude I am a super mutant power being.... yet I couldn't do it.

Is there something in the contract of the CFD that gives me some power over the borrower, in case he creates a cause for such a lien? 

I recommend @Casey Powers

There's no substitute for the power of time when it comes to compounding.