Lisa

Years ago, we had two right-of-way agents from Texas do searches at our company in Oklahoma when they had work there.  They said it was so easy compared to Texas records; they loved it.  We had a legal description index; and searchs were quicker to do.  You have to keep in mind that not every location has the same record methodology as you do in Texas.  And no, I don't go from deed reference to deed reference; or not check for mortgages/deeds of trust.  I pay a fee to belong to a "title plant" so I can search by legal description and it is only computerized to 1985; prior to that we run the old books.   But a quarter quarter section may have its whole history on one page in the index books - so bam! there is my search.  I pull copies, verify legals and owners and take it all to the office to do a more indepth examination. Many times we take our searches back to 1927; which is more than sufficient for any kind of product.

I dont envy you with Texas records - if I were you; I would be charging more and taking more time too. 

Ellen