In my county, I have to physically go to the Assessor's office to get it because the records aren't available online. 

I had a cat with kittens locked in a garage once, it was all a scam to get cash for keys since they read online that animals+power on=occupied.   

Is anybody aware of any websites that offer free rent payments online?

Check the online store.

@Rex King My current business is online retail.  

I am not a fan of the traditional management model, where I get monthly reports, and am specifically looking for property management/manager that uses an online portal for the property owner (i.e.

But we found a property managers online who are ready even to purchase a home for us.So my question is how to check if property management company is authentic?

There are lots of online auctions where you can bid on houses (e.g. hubzu, etc).

I've done some quick online searches and came up with a few websites and agents there that you've probably already found yourself as well.Is this your first investment purchase?

Owning a property in urban areas is perfectly fine as long as the numbers make sense.I use multiple online tools to find listed, unlisted properties in Minnesota and have properties in and outside of Minneapolis (200 mile range).