Newb in South Florida

[Greg Grant]

Hello everyone.

I came across this site and decided it would be a good idea to join & help expand my knowledge to prevent me from making a big rookie mistake.  

While it is very informative I'm having a somewhat difficult time finding the info I need. I'm sure it has been asked numerous times in the past, but for some reason I can't seem to find it.

I have been lurking through hubzu and doing research (watching listings and making notes) to gain some rough numbers on what is happening with the properties I am interested in.  I'm not even considering bidding yet, because I have concerns about hidden expenses (past due: hoa fee's, taxes, liens, etc)

I see lots of people saying to search the local county records, but perhaps my local county website is just "different".  Because I can't seem to find any information that pertains to my concerns.

I'm in Broward County Florida.

I've seen people respond telling others to have a title company search for the property records, but I can't see people being interested in say 20 properties and paying for a title search on each property early on in their research phase.   

Is there a way I can do this on my own, for mainly just basic research in the beginning to be able to cross out the ones that are not financially wise at the time?