Preliminary title search in NJ to identify red flags

[Ryan W.]

When researching pre-foreclosure properties, I get an initial feel for the lien situation from the foreclosure complaint, but know there may be others out there.  Short of doing my own search at the courthouse, what are your suggestions for obtaining a better picture of the title to identify potential red flags as I am evaluating a property?  I am thinking about things like municipal liens and federal tax liens that would need to be accounted for in my investment analysis.

Do title companies issue "preliminary" title reports to investors for just this purpose? How would such a report differ in scope, content and cost from a report issued as part of underwriting a title policy?  Thanks in advance!