Tax Lien/Deed Due Diligence

Hello, I thank you for reading this post. I am a single mom of two young children, currently living in Georgia. However, I am looking to move...where, I don't know..the possiblities are endless.

First, with regard to due diligence, anyone have any advice as to the best (and cheapest) way of doing a title search on a property?

Second, if the property you are interested in is out of state..and too far for a trip, what's the best course of action to locate a physical address and assess it's current condition?

And finally, which states offer the most properties available over the counter, and with the least competition?

I am totally new to this, and am trying to get as educated as possible, before getting my feet wet. If anyone is willing to help out, I would appreciate it. And if by some miracle someone is willing to place me under their wing, so to speak, and guide me, I would love to learn first hand. I'd be willing to attend auctions on your behalf (here in Georgia, I am currently located about 35 mi outside of Atlanta), if you'd guide me through the process.

Some hard to answer questions.

Best and cheap do not always go together. Best is to have a professional do it. Cheapest is to do it yourself, but you better know what your doing;

There may not necessarily be a “best” way to locate physical address. Call assessor in location you are looking for if you have parcel number or person’s name. Call realtors in area, internet search, Google earth gives some info, contact contractors in the area. Just start using your 6 inches of real estate between your ears. I’m sure you can come up with other ideas.

As to assessing its current condition if too far to go see yourself you might be stuck with a property inspector unless someone on here knows about the property and would help you.

You last question would have to be answered by someone who is knowledgeable with all 50 states. I’m not but I do know Arkansas has a catalog they print and publish that you might be able to get or just go on line to the following location. It is a newspaper size printing and has 27 pages in it. Best of luck.


www.cosl.org

Thanks for your reply....I figured I'd have to get a title company to do a title search...I just hope they really pay attention to detail. I've studied some legal cases where tas deed sales got overturned because of somone not paying attention to the details.

Thanks for replying. I figured that I would have to hire a title company to do the title search...it seems like the best bet...since they would be the one's I would go to once I finished "quiet title" or forclosure procedings.

It looks like I'm gonna have to consider getting vacant land, and then put something on it. I am in negitiations to settle an injury suit, and I only have one shot a doing it right...otherwise, I'm affraid I'll be stuck in rentals for what will seem like forever.

Your best bet depends on where you want to live. In Hawai'i, it was always cheaper to buy a lot and build your own house- completed houses there cost twice what it would cost you to build one. But here in Lansing, Michigan, I would never consider a new build- I can buy an old house with high quality construction for a fraction of what it would cost me to throw up a crackerbox.

Chris