Try contacting your state bar association and see if they have lists of attorneys by specialty. 

I'm just getting started on researching all this stuff now -- been doing bar prep the last couple months and haven't really had time to think much about it. 

A lot of high end shops, bars, dining, etc. 

Then have your attorney see how many cases relating to LO have been registered with the NC Bar for disciplinary action/order.

I am also unsure of a search function, I could have swore there used to be a forum search bar?

I've viewed quite a few homes and, barring some distressed properties that are too big a project for me, only one has really piqued my interest and seems to have some decent numbers to back it up.Still, small price to pay in my mind for getting to live here.

yeah i was originally planning on barring it (which is my current plan).

Although an investor in your jurisdiction might have experience with similar actions, to get the best up-to-date information (and save others the risks of unlicensed practice of law) you're best off talking with an experienced real estate attorney barred in the appropriate jurisdiction. 

Closing with a known issue would likely bar a title insurance claim once the issue surfaced and regardless, this is a title problem that as a buyer you definitely want resolved.There are a few ways to resolve this including a corrective or confirmatory or other deed but they all will require full disclosure to the title company/insurer and some corrective action or affirmative coverage for the issue.

Also many old tools in walls over the years; usually tape measures (old fashioned kind that fold out like rulers), planers, levels, flat bars, crow bars, nailsets, hammers and such.