It says on the letter that I can go to the county courthouse to get the deed and that this particular service isn't affiliated with the government at all.As a follow-up question, do I even need a hard copy of the deed for any reason?

I have no affiliation with the property or the agent who sent me the info, I just receive these deals all the time and thought I would pass it along since it sounded like the area you are looking for.Best of luck to you!

I'm not affiliated with Buildium, I just love the service).

I am in no way affiliated with any of them and do NOT recommend investing in them ( I do not personally, I have done essentially no research, and I buy as much as I can handle myself locally so not a need for me) just bringing it up as an option that might fit for you better than trying to find someone local who might not have less experience and ability.

I'm in no way affiliated with this organization, I just like their product.  

Get Gary Keller's book, "The Millionaire RE Investor" and read it, cover to cover.I recommend you go to http://www.clarkhoward.com/categories/personal-finance-credit/ ( I have no affiliation to Clark Howard, I just find his information to be good, no-nonsense advice.)

In contracts you are supposed to disclose any third party affiliations or interests.

I have no affiliation with them except that they are paying me rent for the next 6 months for our tenants.  

There are many different factors to determine whether one mark infringes the other, but for ease of discussion it can be boiled down to:whether a reasonable person, upon seeing both marks, would conclude that the products or services came from the same individual or company, or that the products or services were somehow affiliated with each other.

You can pick up properties for $50.00 and resell them online at places like landandfarm and landwatch (no affiliation) without the hassle and competition of an auction.