One way is to see if the County Recorder's or Register of Deeds Office where the property is has an online records search system.

@Makeila Logan LafateI am not in your area; however, I have an @information nugget for you.Look into Kent Clothier re offerings.Contact @Lendinghome to see if they fit into one of your investing models.Because the Realtors who you speak of  are not representing you, you can research the properties through public records, gather owner information, then make your offer directly to the owners.

Because if something goes wrong you could be renting an apartment with a foreclosure/short sale on your record.

I am hoping that someone can chime in with a faster, simpler way to fix the list (as I have spent too much time fixing entries by hand), but until then I suggest you just compare it to public records and fix the obvious mistakes.

What do they need to sign, what do I need to sign, what needs to be notarized, how do I get the deed, what needs to be recorded at the county, all of those basics.

And really look at the rental record  and read the agreement very carefully.

2) How do I know I am indeed registered as a lien holder ( I understand I need to get hold of the trust deed from the County Recorders' office.

When he told me that I don't need to retain my rental application records, I became worried that this lawyer isn't giving me good advice.

Because you know him so well, I would probably forget the purchase and sale agreement assignment and go straight for an exclusive option to  purchase, which is recordable.  

What makes you think you are qualified to give me advice when you don’t have a track record of direct mail marketing specifically to probate attorneys?