Typically the title search goes back 60 years, here by tradition, so often times events from more than 60 years ago are not even reviewed before issuance of the title policy.Recently I had a case where there was a discrepancy arising from a 1939 Sheriff Sale. 

Angie's list or checkbook are great resources for finding contractors and reviews.

Hello, I'm currently in the process of reviewing an off market deal that consists of 3 Multi-unit buildings in NE Washington, DC.

Hey Rick,I was online looking up reviews on SSU and I found your post....I am a huge fan of BP and I use the podcasts as a learning tool all the time.I am curious as to what you decided to do since your post?

I'm unsure what kind of metrics i should look for when looking for deals.

What I am trying to do is keep metrics to get a good handle on how many leads I need for my first face to face then how many of those I need for a deal.

I have a good conventional renovation lender if you need a referral, As the buyer you have to qualify for the loan like any conventional loan then submit repair estimate and a subject to appraisal for project review. 

@J Scotthas a published book on estimating rehab costs that I've heard very positive reviews on might want to check that outBut to answer your question yeah you will want to get the house under contract otherwise you'll be wasting everyone's time.  

Hopefully there are other investors in the philadelphia and surrounding areas with success, who also were being given negative reviews of their investment strategies in the beginning.

So you might be well-served to have a business accountant review their books, and if they are unwilling to reveal, go elsewhere.