I think this is the best way to begin in real estate- you not only learn the ropes but you also get the opportunity to make mistakes, find solutions and better yet understand the phycology that goes into the job as a manager, owner and consultant.Now get typing the resume and building your list of companies!!!

Have lived in Laguna for many years, worked OC real estate, and there are no more Lagunas on tap either.At Strategic (in Agoura Hills, cover SoCal from SD to SB & Inland Empire), where I work, we concentrate on buying distressed properties at auction (second biggest buyer in SoCal), and, after many decades, have made our "mistakes" long ago.

The ‘worst’ deed is a “Quit-Claim” deed (no it is NOT a quick-claim or quick deed!).

I want to learn and willing to do what's necessary to avoid mistakes and undue risks.Thanks again J!

@Kobus De Villiers , before you invest in multi-family, listen to my podcast where I committed the worst investment mistake of my career buying a 36-unit apartment in a war zone - here: http://Biggerpockets.com/show65

worst that can happen is you get burned for 30 days..  

I carry a Benchmade a/o knife that I honestly use as a tool but could be a "worst case" scenario life saver.

The worst they could say is no.

Also, the transaction history in PropertyRadar only includes voluntary liens and transfers - it does not include involuntary liens (mechanics liens, tax liens, judgements), so you will still need to research those regardless.As @David Mitchell said, the best answer is to educate yourself on the title search process, and then you can easily verify the loan positions in PropertyRadar and check for involuntary liens using your local county recorder (often online).Note that even if you pay the title company $150-250 for a title search, those searches do not come with a guarantees and the title companies themselves do make mistakes - thus the reason for title insurance.

Plus, it might take a few tries until you start getting the good deals, but mistakes can be very costly.