The reason you are getting conflicting information is because they don't know without entering all information into an automated system.

They just set me up with an automated email service search, and sit back and wait for me to puke an offer.

I have to automate this process even more to sift through all the tax deed states for that!

Most of the REO listing and offer procedures are automated and don't have a space or check-box for such things as escalation clauses.

Even with lines of credit that my lenders give me, I have an automated system, through my attorney that puts the property into a land trust with him as trustee and the lender in co-beneficial interest with direct instructions to remove me should I default, or removing them once I've paid them off.  

If you can build the balance sheet and understand it then automate everything in excel, you can crunch through deals quickly and efficiently.

Though, I think it should be covered by one of the automated covers that is a painting or ? 

I was told that the county does not have an automated system that lists probate filings and that there is no list or other method for the public to review the records in mass.Does anyone have experience with Stanislaus County in this regard and have advice on how to accomplish what I'm trying to do?

I'm not new to the contracting world by any means and I apply this same principle in my full time job as a project manager for a large industrial control automation company.

I started later than you did, so I missed out on the very early years when interest rates were higher as well as when it was possible to invest a large amount of money using simply the automated investment on Lendingclub.