It is common in rural areas, many townships have decided to not require permits for repairs, most will require permits for new construction, and additions, or changing window/door openings, or roof lines, I did a rehab in Merrill WI , we replaced windows, roof, siding, flooring and much more, I called the city, they asked if i was changing openings or roof lines, and since I was not, he said no permit required.

You should be looking at the upside of how much equity you can pull out to use toward additional properties which will put you in a stronger cash flow and equity position.

No need to keep the money at additional risk in the LLC.   

And I am small time(for now) I work out average rents by street and building and what improvements that might be justified by additional rent.

Sounds like as others alluded too that there may be an additional unforeseen lien pop up on title that would need to get released. 

Has anyone ever heard of Judgement, Liens, and Options with Mike Warren. It's a strategy of making money through Judgement and Liens. If you've heard of it, what are your thoughts. 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

In addition, she pays 25% on the depreciation recapture.

So everything in surplus goes to additional principal payments in the contracts.

@Joshua KohlIn addition, I would recommend driving around to get a feel for the area.