Accessing Probate Records

[Matt D.]

Hey guys, new to real estate investing, and I'm trying to break into wholesaling. Specifically, I'm looking to market to probate leads in my county (which is Maricopa, AZ). From what I've read in the forums and online, getting the info required on these properties is as simple as going to the county courthouse and asking for the probate files, then requesting to see the inventories of those that contain real estate.

Unfortunately, the clerk I spoke to at the county's customer service center told me I can't see the inventories, therefore I can't see any property attached to a specific file. I can access all the other documents, but only a very small handful of those will help me find out any information about a property. I tried calling the probate court directly, and they told me the same thing, that I can't access the inventories of the probate files unless I'm involved with the case. I'm going to try and go into the probate court tomorrow and try again, but I suspect I'll be told the same thing.

Does anyone have any advice on how to handle this? Or anyone who potentially is familiar with the process for getting this information in Maricopa county? Would meeting with a real estate attorney bring any help? Or a probate attorney? It seems this information is harder to come by in my county than most, does anyone have any experience getting around a complication like this? Because I can't imagine that I truly am not allowed to view this information when in other counties you absolutely can.

Any and all advice or knowledge would me much appreciated, thanks.