*Sorry if I'm in wrong place* - Mortgage Information

Hello everyone.  I am a new Pro member and just getting started in Real Estate investing.  Still trying to learn...but i understand mortgages are public record, yet i cannot figure out where to find that information.

I have called my county Assessor's Office and the lady literally laughed at me....  Called the County Recorder's Office and she was super sweet, but had no idea which department had that information. 

I successfully found where to find the current owners and tax records, but neither of those public sites share mortgage details.

Any help is greatly appreciated!