[quote=CricketOnTheHearth]
Where would I look up to see if a Notice of Default has been filed?[/quote]
I did a quick check to see if the owner had gotten an NOD via the following public databases

https://www.sdctreastax.com/ebpp3/%285x2gtq45rtl4ecm3cthnrx55%29/Start.Aspx

Put in the address and zip -that gives you the name of the person receiving the prop tax bills (theoretically the owner.)

Then plug that name into a grant dead search:
http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/grantorgrantee/search.aspx

I did not see any NODs. But if the loan is under a different name – say under the wife’s name… it may not show.