In Texas, the agent usually has to be an attorney which takes a percentage split with the title company of the title premium - acts as escrow agent.  I have this knowledge based on my employment in this type of situation in the past.  As far as surveys and appraisals - I certainly work for enough surveyors to get quality work done there in State of Texas and also know some pretty good appraisers. 

Since it is obvious that it will take time to get licensing in all states, perhaps we could start trying to get licensing in states where the abstractors are being hit the hardest right now - those with the most online county areas and maybe can get this done for the other states before those particular state abstractors start feeling the hit as they go online. 

I offered to get all the particulars for State of Texas.  Ellen has emailed me the questions she wants answered.