As you correctly pointed out (Original Seller) conveyed a portion of the property that was insured namely the southerly 11 feet of Lot 4 to (current neighbor) prior to the recording of your Deed (FATICO did not insure the East 10 feet of the closed alley and is therefore not included in this claim).

Just becasue they so no today or here is our final and best, does not mean it is true.http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/75610-a-new-record-set-on-this-one

Nevertheless, I closed on this property a couple weeks ago, and received a letter from the county assessor that they had no record of the grantor (in this case, Nationstar bank) being assessed to the property and that they had no record of a trustee deed being granted to the grantor.

The Articles of Organization will not list the members.

So, you'd say a better deal would be to find deals, via marketing and or/driving for dollars, and THEN use these resources, in conjunction with county records, to research the local properties that I've found?

County assessor says they don't sell occupied properties at tax sale so I'm not as worried about having to evict.As far as I understand you get title to the property after the tax deed is recorded, but you can't get title insurance for a year because there is a one year redemption period for certain entities.

I read an article earlier today that stated January 2013 beat the record for the amount of money retail investors poured into the market - the last record month was set in 2000.

Also make sure title is clear, check Recorder's office for any liens, mortgages, deeds of trust.

I think the code is pretty clear the there has to be a recorded NOD.I'm pressing this only because I know the penalties can be severe.Thanks.

Make sure they have a good track record and you have the capability to follow through on their advice.