I always check the assessor's website before going to counties.  I do get a fair number of orders with the wrong county on it from local companies & VM's (one last night). Some towns here are in 2, 3 & 4 counties!  If I can't find the address on these websites (some counties address records are poor or inaccurate), I check the USPS website, plug in the address & click on mailing industry info which lists the county - usually accurate but not 100%.  You can go to netronline.com for free & get a link to county assessors, tax comm. websites & if there isn't one, a phone#.  If some online records are available, you may be able to run a name & the see where it is. If I don't find the address anywhere or know where it is myself, I just call or email the client and ask for a legal or parcel #.  It doesn't take much time and I don't waste mine!   I don't go to a county for 1 search unless I am sure the property lies there!   I don't charge for messed up docs for recording either.  I check the docs before recording & notify the client of a problem.  I have even fronted a few dollars if a check is short & have always been paid back.  If I have to return anything,  I get their shipping # & drop it at a box, which will usually be near some courthouse during the day.  I suppose it's not the same everywhere, but it's pretty easy here.