My question is, he's been clean for the past 15 years no criminal record before or after that incident, has now a fiance and has been living with her and her 2 children for the past 5 years, has a good income and good credit.

I assume that this is a SFH so they probably won't have the best records.

Also there are probably paid options that pull public records like landglide, propradar etc, or try your local title company rep. 

But when I check public records... not so much!

Well, this is harder than it sounds especially when you're a beginner because you know no one and have no track record.

Hey Roy - Typically, previous experience is weighted heavily with hard money lenders, so they might offer better terms to flippers with a track record.

Public records have information on every sale in your area.

Welcome to BP, sounds like you have a great track record and future!

I would have saved few thousand dollars in inspection fees and appraisal fees if I had known that and I had a friend send me detailed videos.I'm not sure if this information is available in all counties but where I bought in the Indianapolis metro area, I can look up property tax records.

I can’t carry a gun I have a criminal record a remnant of a misspent youth  I carry pepper spray I’ve used it once.