One CAN figure out approximately how much a property sold for even if it's not listed in the records:  extrapolate the transfer taxes (state/county/city) and multiply out.Just an aside:  I remember back in the day when the appraisals were coming in short in an appreciating market (something like we have today) we would ask the buyer to pay MORE money for the transfer taxes (no law about not paying more taxes) and it would help show a higher "sales" price and help 'push' up the comps--not recommending you do that now--much more data available for all eyes.But I would recommend that you buddy up with a like-minded realtor, and work out a mutually beneficial arrangement so you can get the info you need, and they can get listings, sales, referrals, etc, that they need.Better yet, get licensed yourself and get to know the business from the inside out!

Feel free to shoot me a PM if you'd like their contact info! 

We found out the pictures he sent of the outside were the actual home, but the inside pictures were not of the same home.Mr Miller became harder and harder to contact and before we knew it his phone had been disconnected.

So, I could walk upstairs and dig out all the links and contacts and web sites for the research I did on self storage and post it here for you.... but I just sat down, opened an adult beverage, I'm lazy, and besides searching Google for all this will be half of the fun.

I've also heard of looking up the tax appraisal but I'm not too sure on how to calculate the data from it.

Getting a loan would be a separate issue.The loan terms depend on the lenders, here is a list of lenders who specialize in non-recourse loans with brief overview of their programs, you would have to contact them directly to inquire about the details, I'm not affiliated with them and simply put this list together as a resource for BP members: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/2810/50272-lis...

You are technically owner of that data and you do not have to share it unless you want to. 

When I have contacted them, in general they have responded within 24 hours.

I learned the hard way.https://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol28/28-44...

The 3K is will be well spent.Make sure you have your requirements in hand when contacting an Architect:2 beds, 1 bath, etc, Daylighting, etc etcGood luck!