My big concern now is that I am being told that the property doesn't have public sewer and instead has a septic system.

As most places the health care, colleges, public schools K-12, city jobs, retail, hotels are stable. 

@Dan Heuschele - I'll share the publicly recorded numbers.

Did you find the sale through Wake County's online public listing? 

Also, if you want to have your contract recorded (like for a lien that you put on a property that you want to record to publicize that the property is encumbered and to make sure that you keep your first position), it has to be notarized.To get a document notarized, the signer should sign it in front of a notary.

The added benefit of using a land trust is that you can actually remove your name(s) from public record if you establish the trust correctly, having your attorney sign as a Nominee Trustee and hence creating an attorney-client privilege protecting your name(s).Once again, I would chat with your banker to see what they are offering. 

I know tax records are public information, but how can I find out specific loan info on a particular property? 

I don’t see how you could be liable for the utility services public service drop.

My personal experience is that many times the syndicators that are doing the most to publicize themselves, are often targeting an unsophisticated investor audience.

If you file against them in housing court for breaking the lease, their answer (and that's a written public document, usually posted on line and searchable by address) will make public the fact that the unit has rats.