I checked with the recorders office and they don't have records on-line.I did got into the recorders office and they do have a good electronic system in place which makes searching fairly easy.I did a practice run and found a lot of documents.

Some states have fairly onerous laws around what you can and can't do with such sellers, and specific forms and disclosures.To get the phone to ring, you need to some type of marketing.You also need to start building that buyers list early.There are a number of posts here on specific aspects of this business.

Does that sound pretty fair?

I'm fairly new to investing, and I want to hit it pretty hard from now on.

Its not necessary for them to have any lien (mortgage or deed of trust) against the property.However, you may find lenders have fairly low LTVs for cash out refis.

Make sure that rents are at fair market levels, and check with the utility company to get the averages for utilities.

It will be interesting to see if corporate media outlets pick it up.TimAn interesting article, but this seems to be a fairly strong conclusion from just one single article.

Seriously though, the idea has merit, but keep in mind- FAIR HOUSING does apply.

Find someone that comes highly recommended from a friend, family, real estate agent, etc who charges a fair price and you will have a sucessful project anything less and you are gambling.

CoStars advertising is a fairly new feature (within the last year) and I don't think it has the kind of activity that Loopnet has - especially from buyers.