These guys are organized and ready to pound it out!

Very professional organization.

Making sense of the deal, their business philosophy, and their track record will be important to understand, but I believe you should develop a foundation of trust before you invest. 

A lien is a payment obligation that has been attached to real property -- either through the recording process (in the case of a mortgage, deed of trust, mechanics lien, etc.) or pursuant to local law such as by the entry of a judgment, issuance of a water/sewer or tax bill, etc.A foreclosure is what the lien holder does to enforce the lien in order to obtain payment -- this is done through a forced sale of the property.

He needs it for his records, and occasionally, maybe every 3 years or so the insurance person wants it. 

even credit sites search criminal records as part of the credit search process.

You can also access public records such as deeds and assessor data. 

I particularly enjoy browsing through county records although I'm not sure if it's the most effective method.

He was impressed by my organization and commitment, and said if he had more cash right now he would be open to partnering with me.This is just my two cents and way of looking at things.

I know LIDs probably aren't common in all areas of the country, but they are in the Vegas area and I don't find it easy to get information.For the record....I always factored this cost into my calculations and still liked the "big picture" as far as cash flow.