I use MLS and property records comps for the solds of the last 6 months.

We prepare the docs & receipts, keep great records, and hand everything off to a CPA who lives, eats & breathes tax returns.

I would be very careful, take your time to check them out, run credit checks and online civil and criminal records.

Nate Smith - why not visit your local county recorder's office (and neighboring ones as well, if needed) and see if they've issued any other loans (via mortgages they've received from borrowers) in your area.

One thing that was awkward about researching that family last weekend, was that when I pulled the lady's credit report using MySmartMove, it *only* gave me her credit info, not the husband's, nor the family's.That's going to be even more important when I'm looking at this new family that owns their own business... if there *is* a financial anomaly in their history, it may only show up in one of their records.

Depending on what you want to do they can be very,very involved.Most developers are buying value add buildings already constructed and operating for less than what it cost to build new.They are still building in areas where demand is really high and not much product is available.With that you have to see who is building what and where and how many other applications for new buildings for the area are in the process.You have to time the market with your land purchase,build out,and lease up so that you are not finishing your product in a saturated market.You can have 55 and over regular communities, acute care only,or a mix etc.Income is good but management and regulation is more intensive.Depending on size you would want to bring on a senior housing developer with a track record of experience.

Your county records should show chain of title and recorded easements.

They are very helpfulMake sure when you do these loans you use a title company/lawyer to make sure all t's are crossed etc. and get it recorded to protect yourself.I've been involved in many of these loans make sure everything is written down and notes and deeds are recorded.This is just my opinion and past expereince.

Hope this helps.JamesMy county recorder records are on line, and I did a search on the man's name--the property is listed in his and hers names.

County recorder.