Keep in mind that not everything is listed in the public records, and if you have a good relationship with a title company and have a particular property in mind, run a title search, go to the plant yourself and review the recorded maps for yourself, know the subdivision or area you are buying in well.

There are legal and moral ways to make the transaction work.There the illegal or immoral ways to do business.If you get a reputation for being shady do not complain latter.Every wonder while the public thinks agents cut corners or do things that they should not be involved in?

What is the best way to make sure they own the property, if their name doesn't show up on public records?

How much you want to cover in a public thread is up to you.

@Alberto NikodimovIn “Real Estate Note Investing” by Dave Van Horn ( a Bigger Pockets publication), Dave mentions a story identical to yours.

It was recorded the same day and new ownership was reflected immediately in the public records.

Hey Max, My wife and I just had one of her former colleagues at the publication "Skinny Mom" take pictures of a flip in Hyde Park (only lasted 18 hours on the market w/ her pictures).

Close to public transportation and all services.  

Instead, I own other income-producing assets, which consist of publicly-traded securities, high-yield saving accounts, and crowdfund real estate.

I believe that they get their data from both public records and title information.