What key information do I need from the homeowner, lien holder, and/or county records?

[Daren H.]

I spoke to a homeowner today who called me about getting rid of a property. She doesn't care what the property sells for. During our brief conversation, the homeowner mentioned she previously tried to short sale in the past year but it fell through so she proceeded with filing bankruptcy. The homeowner indicated she has not lived in the property for the past year but still has possession of the property. According to county records, there was a notice of trustee sale recorded in 12/2008 with a final judgment of $72K. Not clear to me how she still has possession ~6 years later but I admit I don't know how long these type of situations play out. Tax records still show the seller (caller) as the owner.

I am unfamiliar with this type of homeowner/seller situation. How should I begin digging into this lead to determine sellers ability to sell the property and the best avenue to acquire at the lowest purchase price? Given the bankruptcy and notice of trustee sale recording, what is the key information that I need upfront to pursue this lead.  Some questions I feel like I should be asking are:

What type of bankruptcy did you file?

Has the bankruptcy been discharged?

Was the property your homestead/primary residence during the discharge?

Did you sign a reaffirmation agreement concerning the property loan?

What is the current payoff of the loan, property taxes, etc?

What documentation do you have to confirm your ownership of the property?

Anyone with experience with these type of situations, please advise on what other key information I should be pursuing from the seller, lien holder, and/or county. Thanks in advance for your help!