When I lived in Ohio and explored foreclosure auctions, my title company offered free title searches since it didn't take them that long and we did enough business with them.   

Also, once you know who is who and can establish confidence in the abilities of some of these experienced investors, you may want to explore investing in one of their projects.

If I were getting started in San Antonio with $100K to invest, I would explore some of these alternative options.

I'm wanting to buy this summer, so about 2 months from now, and I'm trying to explore my financing options now so that I can jump on a deal if/when I find one.

Also, exploring the sold properties on zillow is also a technique I saw an investor use on youtube. 

Were going to be exploring a triplex here, hopefully this weekend actually.

I'm beginning to explore getting into the house flipping business. 

Have you explored possibility of holding the property in a discretionary trust?

Was considering buying here but I came to the conclusion that real estate is expensive as hell in San Diego, so I am currently exploring out of area which included looking back at my hometown, plus I am also trying to help my family out with buying a new house for them to reside in.

Of course trust the people you work with, but this is an all around good thing to explore.