Most counties have options to access the Tax Assessor, Recorder of Deeds and other sites for real estate records online.

Plus, it's a total waste of time.All transfers are recorded at the county level, and many counties around the country have on-line sites where you can review transfers. 

My friends were amused when I wondered how I would deal with the loss of my Internet connection (which could be serious when doing online investing).

Thanks for the tip on rentometer.

I guess maybe this is a new twist created by BP and other online things.. take the names of prominent ( not that I am prominent ) but those maybe that other would know and just flat lie about doing deals with them and if I am doing deals with the scammer you should too.. ????

What actionable tips do you recommend?

I looked online and the definitions are confusing.

Then as maintenance happens they get paid usually again some nominal fee.It’s all done through email and online softwares

Feel free to say "Hi" connect, or leave some helpful tips.

Now if you want to expedite your learning then you may want to consider joining some program online or offline.