Google (Name of County) Recorders office, or (Name of County) Tax Assessors office.There should be a place to find out if records are online, if they are you should be able to input the address and get records or at least the type of records filed. 

Much of our modern mortgage concept traces back to the middle ages right after the Roman Empire collapsed.  

It just needs some improving to make it look at little more modern.  

We have an office very conveniently located in our town (on Main St.) so it's no problem for the tenants to come in and pay rent at the front desk. 

However, you may be better off contacting the county's fiscal office to inquire about a payment plan.

TIA Also, keep an eye out for @ryankopczyk he holds an investor friendly meet up at his office.

They have offices all over the valley.

Btw every time there was a change in the case I went to my banker, set in his office, kept him informed on every step.  

For information of this nature, you are going to need the records of the office that records deeds and other information (sometimes the Clerk and Recorder, sometimes the Recorder of Deeds, etc.) or the records of the Court (for a Lis Pendens).  

Garage conversions usually aren't a problem but if you're concerned, you should check with your local planning and zoning office.