What type of real estate are you involved in? 

Depending on the amount of the lien it may be best to get an attorney involved.

Several of my friends have expressed an interest in getting involved with me to fix and flip property. 

As listed in the subject, I am from Maricopa, Arizona and I am beyond motivated to start getting involved in rentals and flipping homes.

These days there will often be a map, where you can either click on the property of interest, or enter the address, and get a basic report - whose name is on the property tax records, how much the property tax is, the square footage, year built, etc. 

I believe there’s much value to what you said, but it seems like it would mostly apply down the road when I’m able to more actively involve myself in more deals than just one.

I've held my license with HomeSmart, and they are great, just wondering if anyone would recommend a firm that's more involved in the investing world as opposed to retail. 

It doesn't necessarily not work, but you do have more pressure on your margins due to more people being involved making it that much more important to buy at a serious discount, and that is going to be your biggest challenge. 

It's an 1700 square foot home with 4 beds and 2 full baths in the lower unit in turn key condition. 

That would involve emotions and there is absolutely no place in business for emotions.