If a car has any incumberences in its title, are they noted in the blue book? If the seller's name is the only or last one listed, does that mean they own it free and clear from any banks or finance companies?

Yes, the owner name should be recorded on the blue book,

are your going to buy a second hand car? my advice to you that you should go to the land department where to register the car,

at the land department they will check the real records of the car,

I heard there are some forged books, just beware and walk to the right place,