In MA they are not published but if I go to housing court all the cases are posted on the wall in the lobby showing the landlord and the tenants names.

Depends on how you will receive your proceeds.

Sometimes banks have specific guidelines and a step by step process they follow in cases like this.Bottom line, the ball is in their court - give them your highest and best offer.

I currently have 2 rental properties that I plan to sell and use the proceeds to build a spec home in the SF Bay Area.  

How should I proceed?

NETWORKING is the key to this business and you are wise to have started here on bigger pockets ;-)Best of luck however you choose to proceed.

If not, you need to determine the answers to these questions first before you proceed. 

Didn't pay the fee, and then had to not only pay the fee, but was taken to local court by the city, had to pay court costs, the fee, and a $500 fine. 

I am looking for insight on verbal contracts and how they may hold up in court.

Depends on the note as Jay mentioned, non-judicial states will be quicker but federal laws require notice, demands, collection records, modification allowances, redemptions and 120 days before you can proceed.