2nd Mortgage Foreclosure

[Debbie C.]

I am looking at a property going to sheriff's sale where the 2nd mortgage is foreclosing. I can see the date and original amount of the 1st mortgage. My question is, does anyone know how to find out how much is actually outstanding on that first mortgage?    If I buy the property subject to the 1st mortgage, I need to know what the payoff would be before bidding.  In this case, the 1st mortgage was a smaller amount, however, if the owner is behind on that too, I'm guessing the payoff could be substantially higher with interest and fees.  

The attorney for the foreclosing mortgage won't give it to me and the second is a big bank and can't find anyone there to help.

Any ideas?

Thank you

[Ron S.]

Originally posted by @Sam Shueh:

Preliminary Title search

 Doesn't give you current loan balance, only originating amount when recorded.