Try and ask around locally or any neighbors if there are any about the home's condition and ownership status.If that fails you can get the owner's information and the property's tax status from the tax office (link) or another useful tool for owner and property information is the Galveston Central Appraisal District (link).  

Definitely a good idea to start talking to a loan officer sooner rather than later.

Office building??

is it obtainable directly from the country recorders' office...and if so what would i do to get it?

Or more importantly, the inability to contact a bank directly WITHOUT using one.If interested in my 2 cents, please continue reading.Being a licensed broker since 2003, and working with "banks" for the last 10 years or so, I have sold several thousand REO properties owned by banks.The last 4-5 years being the busiest for my firm, selling over 400-500 each of the last few years.I started as an investor, made contacts with banks (2nd mortgage companies) at judicial sales auctions in Chicago, and began my ancillary career as a broker for these properties.Based on what I heard during the podcast, I would like to bring up a few points about making offers on REO's direct1- The tax records, depending on the state, county, etc can be backed up for several months depending on the technology the recorder's office uses. 

@Justin Williams, check out Sendpepper, aka Office Autopilot also.

Hi @Jaime Raskulinecz,I just spoke with Bill at your office and he was very helpful.I need to fine tune my strategy before we decide what makes sense.Thank you @Brian Eastman & @Adam Hershman for your help and guidance also.George

not until your license is safely hanging in your brokers office

I went to my 1st REIA meeting.....I felt like I was at a guru session, guy wanted $1000 for a 3 day class on how to be a REI....I met with an attorney, next is a loan officer.

The management office sent this message to me:"The tenant is very nice person and she is trying to get caught up on the rent.