I live 15 minutes from the state line between Va and NC and my husband purchased alot of land in Moyock (Currituck Co) and sub divided and sold off.  The 2 attorneys he used for his deals did their own searches.  He told them I owned a company and have been doing searches for 12 years and he wanted me to do them..  They were very quick to say no.  They said they go to the courts and do their own and most in the county do.  I don;t know if that helps you at all.  Best of luck to you. Elizabeth City is a small but really nice place.  You will enjoy it.