Thanks to all for the very sound advice. I spoke with an attorney in Houston (friend of a friend), and he and his colleague (former oil company CEO) agree with what you’ve said: Hire a landsman first. They are putting me in touch with someone. They said to only get a lawyer if needed once I have all the title details and have approached the company. I’d skip the landsman step, but unfortunately, I have no idea which company is drilling, nor the location. My best guess is East TX, possibly Beaumont area, since that’s where my gg-aunt owned much of her property. Not inferring the mineral rights are on property she owned, just thinking this is logical for an early 1900s spinster schoolteacher with great business savvy. Anyway, it’s a start. Texas is a big state, so hoping this guess is a lucky one.
I have no idea how a landsman would find a title if they had to search the entire state! Do they begin by looking at the will of the deceased?