@Wendy BlackWe have invested in foreclosures, estates, and tax liens/certificates, having dealt with probably 1000+/- and except for the rare exception, they are vacated by the time title can be obtained.  

We plan putting all of us kids as well as our mom on the title.

What the Investor does not realize is he or she risks having the lender discover a Title Transfer occurred and initiating the "Acceleration Clause" or "Due on Sale Clause" that requires the loan to be paid in full, within x number of days.

I was wondering what the best and most cost effective way is to find clear title on the homes I want to bid on.  

Your closing attorney or title agent can help you with this.

I read the title of your post and immediately thought you had found a body!

Running a title search would probably confirm if the property is included in a bankruptcy. 

If you think you will go FHA and then Quit Claim the property, to a LLC you run the risk of the lender discovering a Title Transfer occurred and activating the "Acceleration Clause" or "Due on Sale Clause" that requires the loan to be paid in full, within 'x' number of days.

You would then be stuck trying to sue the seller, title company, RE agents, etc. to try to recoup your $500 loss because you got bad info at closing.This type of hypothetical situation (and many others) can be avoided with an estoppel from the tenant prior to COE.Is it likely that you got bad info on a duplex?  

My name is Corey Will, and as the posts title says, I am a new guy in the world of real estate.