don't be so sure about it not being possible to get a legitimate title on a repo or other mystery vehicle. Most states have a way to do so, though few people are aware that it's even possible.

For example: State of NH
repos - since a bank is co-owner on the car, they can sign off on the title (hell, they can even get the state to reissue a copy of it if it's lost or damaged).

abandoned vehicles (a vehicle that gets towed and never claimed) - seller files paperwork & appropriate documentation that there were legitimate attempts to contact owner (if I recall correctly, it's over a 90 day period). If the owner does not respond, the seller files paperwork at the time of sale, so that the new owner can get the title on the vehicle.

How would I know this? (1) friends that do repos and (2) I bought my m/c from a towing yard - it was never claimed by the owner & I now have a clean title on the bike.