You shouldn't assume ownership of it without trying to find the real owner and ask them to claim it.

If only there was some magical database with a way to retrieve public records of property ownership by Lewis, Anthony in Dekalb county, GA.http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/TaxCommissioner/search.asp

Why would someone not want to be positive about real estate ownership.

If you fail to do that before taking investors money or think you have a way around it and you lose somebody's money it is likely you'll be put in jail for it.On Shark Tank entrepreneurs are selling ownership shares in their businesses not realty syndications.

Thanks.A deed is actual piece of paper that records a single event about a property such as transfer of ownership.

In this scenario both parties in the joint venture would be on the title and have an ownership interest in the note.

Go find out for yourself.Unlike old cars that need restoration and antique furniture that needs repairs, houses often come with big issues concerning title ownership and claims affecting their equity.Also, possession issues crop up in addition to hidden damages and unhealthy systems.Once you study, you'll begin to see that a bargain may--or may not-- be a bargain.

Is there a type of insurance that will cover you for those kinds of surprises, as you take ownership of a property?  

We invest only in notes and as such act as the bank without the hassles of home ownership, yet get a decent return as Wayne, cites.

What you're "selling" is your position in the purchase contract - nothing more.Sounds to me like what OpenDoor is doing amounts to what the short sale flippers were doing during and after the crash: getting ownership of a property at a discounted price, then reselling it without making capital improvements, even though they use property condition and needed repairs to justify their offer, yet they (attempt to) resell the property without making repairs, as Chris noted in his observations of the comments left by those who have had dealings with them.If a seller is sufficiently motivated, that market can sometimes be easily exploited.Having financial backing can allow them to hold properties for the prescribed "seasoning" periods.