Checking comps ?

[Will Sifert]

Is there any other sites/ways to check what recently sold houses have sold for other than through the MLS? I work with an agent and have a good relationship with him but I don't want to bother him run comps for me every time I need to check a house especially if I am doing a wholesale deal or keeping it myself as a rental (he wont be making any money).

Realtor.com seems to work great if I want to check what is listed for sale in the MLS, and I noticed they added a "recently sold" option, however it doesn't seem to be working (at least not in my area as it shows 0 results for broad searches).

I've heard of deed fax services and I am sure I could figure out how to check my local clerk of court's records for recorded sales, but was hoping to find something a little easier, if anything exists.

How do you guys check for recent sales ?

Thanks