http://a836-acris.nyc.gov/CP/CoverPage/MainMenuLooks like this is the NYC version of our county assessor website, giving access to property stats and info, maybe tax and ownership history.  

We have looked at GIS tax maps and school ratings.

Other property history?

I submitted an offer yesterday for a 2100 sq ft home 3/2/2 on 0.3 acres, in the best school district for 115k.

Also havent thought of the school housing, interesting point.

Department of Treasury with usc exceptionState Tax LienLien by USA or Dept of JusticeUS Department of StateOther Federal AgenciesFrequent Superior Foreclosure-Liens:Code Enforcement for debris removal or mowingDemolition or Environmental Based Liens State child support lienBoard of County Commissioners for special assessmentsUtility LiensWater/Sewer Delinquency (only in selected states)County (and/or School/Township) for unpaid taxesCity for road improvements, maintenanceHere are some of the judgment and liens that will be wiped off from the property (not the borrower who lost the title) if the lien holders were properly notified and "had the right to bid on the property at the auction":2nd and junior position mortgages, such as home equity loans, etc...Credit Card Judgments recorded after the foreclosing mortgage Personal Judgments recorded after the foreclosing mortgageMechanic's Liens recorded after the foreclosing mortgageOther Judgments outside of the ones listed above  

Land is scarce, personal property is not.In history, how many nations have gone to war over land?

Transportation (Train, Bus) & Schools are key to those locations.

I'm a high school math teacher not much older than you.

I would highly suggest calling the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors for school and association membership.Let me know if you have any questions.Regards,Joe Scorese