Learn how to bypass the MLS, learn how to search the deeds, mortgages, and assessor field cards. Then Google the address and look for details online. Call the agent or check the brokerage website. Some tout their sold briefly. Realtor.com oft has the listing agent name. Call the homeowner if nothing else. Some get upset, but many will tell you things you cannot learn anywhere else. Once you get the hang of it, it is not all that bad. A little driving to the courthouse, the deed gives you legal and book page, etc. The mortgage will tell you how it was financed, how much it was financed for, and what bank (I can get info from the bank too sometimes and they might tell you the appraisers name. There is no prohibition about disclosing condition, etc. (facts) ) As a commercial appraiser I rarely do an appraisal without doing a courthouse search. Some appraisers have no idea where the courthouse is apparently. Learn. You will be well ahead of the competition in the long run.
