Obtaining information on specific properties

[Tanner Smith]

Hey Bigger Pockets community!

Who:

My name is Tanner. Im 25 years old. I live in Portland, OR. I'm completely new to the financial world of Real estate and I'm very eager to get involved. I've set a goal for myself to make (at least) one deal happen by the end of the year. if I don't set goals like these for myself, my motivation can quickly deteriorate. Especially with endeavors as complex as real estate. That being said, Im deciding to commit to this pursuit because I do love the research, the deal finding process and I strongly believe Real estate provides perhaps the greatest investment opportunities of all marketplaces. When I say 'completely new to real estate' I simply mean I haven't made any deals yet. Ive already read several books on the topic including Brandon Turners book (which brought me here). And Ive used these books to assess which transaction type would be the best place for me to start. 

why:

Im leaning toward getting my feet wet with wholesaling, simply because it involves a ground roots approach to 'finding deals'. Which is at the essential core of every single real estate buy. I figure, If I can get really good at finding deals to make flippers/investors happy then eventually I will have a much stronger sense (and finances) of where Id want to do my first flip or investment later on, which may not even be here in Oregon. My immediate goal right now is to just start experiencing those transactions. To get involved and make deals. 

Question 1:

Ive been driving for dollars in Multnomah county and Ive found a bunch of old, run down, vacant places in hot upcoming areas that I find intriguing. I want to know more about these properties, and who owns them so that I can find them! but it seems the only way to do that is by utilizing the two websites provided by the Mult. County public records website. But an account fee of $150 is required.

Is this absolutely essential for me to obtain that information? Any other ways? 

Question 2:

Also... would I need to set up an account like this and pay a fee for any and every county I wanted to buy in?? that's obnoxious... given I don't even know if Ill be able to find good deals in Multnomah County. 

If you're a flipper or investor and your interested in working with someone in my position or you feel you could use me to help you find deals please let me know.

Thanks,

Tanner