I usually do some preliminary fact checking before visiting any properties.

When under contract, the preliminary title report will indicate the lien amount of the Seller's mortgage.

The buyer will want to know everything that is going on and will be provided all that on a preliminary title report as well as a full title report at closing, and from your representations when you market the property.

What does your research tell you about the stability of jobs/the economy in the area you're investigating?

I will say that everything went rather smoothly with the insurance, it was just a long process while they were investigating it.

It gave this as a reason, "The housing market’s rebound has been restrained by the so-called shadow inventory of homes with mortgages at least 90 days delinquent, in foreclosure or already owned by banks, while foreclosures had been stalled since late 2010, when state attorneys general and federal regulators began investigating abuses by banks, including lost or doctored paperwork.

Sounds like the probate attorney wants to see the preliminary HUD-1 settlement statement.

No, he sends the FBI to investigate it as a "crime".

I would add to this by regularly contacting suppliers, investigating new deals, meeting with real estate agents, etc

You are suggesting trying to sue - but if you have taken no preliminary actions - it would probably be thrown out and then you would be liable for paying your attorney fees - another expense you probably do not want on your back.