How can I find out if taxes were paid via a tax lien sale?

[Sandy Uhlmann]

I am considering purchasing a performing first lien.  When researching if the taxes are paid, how do I know if the taxes were paid for by the property owners or if they were paid via a tax lien sale?  Can I use a Title Company such a Pro-title or others to find out this info?  If so, which report do I order from a title company? Does and O & E report cover this? If I call the courthouse will they give me information on who paid the taxes?

In addition to looking for unpaid taxes, tax liens and other liens, I plan on researching the payment history and researching the FMV. Am I missing anything?

Thanks