Gee! It looks like Gary has mostly said it all for me! Though I am curious why you are doing title searches of each aircraft before you decision to buy? If you finance through AOPA, that is simply part of the process at the time of the sale.
You may want to revise the way you ASK your questions. Just reading off a list like you have created definitely stamps you a "Newbie." In which many sellers are reluctant to deal with. Some will not even sell to a newbie. So, my advice? Engage in conversation with the seller first. Chit chat with the owner. Start out by telling the seller why you are looking for an airplane. This helps relieve the buyer of the notion that you are just another tire kicker. Thus, the seller will usually open up to tell his story. Sound like you know what you are doing. Sprinkle your questions as they become relevent in the chat. Your questions will be answered during the course of the conversation.
Oh! And when you find that airplane and it is half way, or all the way, across the country? C'mon here and have one of us go and take a looksie for you. We would be more then happy to do that!!
Ah! And one final addition. Unless you absolutey require a snazzy paint job. Or super duper avionics. You need to pay no more then $20,000 for a decent 150 with a mid time engine. And I wouldn't even consider a 152. (Mostly because of their 24V electrical system.)
Best of luck Cory!
