I currently have about $25k and am looking for some advice on getting the ball rolling?

Ok what if lender does not redeem then I suppose this can happen.. although it would take someone pretty much not on the ball to do that.. but you know how people move around and mail does not get to them especially out of state investors. 

But I also don't want to start behind the 8 ball.

Yes the city of Kansas City in its infinite wisdom required trees to be planted or usually planted them - they got a great deal on trees that grow big, and do it fast and has heaving and cracking driveways and sidewalks all over the city and most of them drop spiny balls all over the place that cause other problems.You should be able to get a tree removed for way less than $10k.You could also epoxy inject and seal if its just cracks, but if it is uneven you might need to do something else. 

It give me the opportunity to make a low ball offer and maybe buy the property at the right price.I don't know about the timeline your asking about.Although I am originally from Alabama, I won't invest in tax liens there because there are much better states to invest and get properties in a relatively short period of time, at least relative to AL.

Spit balling, let the executor rent the house to me (or assignee) make payments to her as the house goes through probate with a balloon at 12 month?

Foul ball.

we all don't have crystal balls into the future.. but I think the only risk in this is sub prime is sub prime and that always carries risk.. 

In the meantime, contact a good real estate attorney who is versed with evictions and get that ball rolling.These tenants sound like the ones who while you are processing the eviction (30 days or so) are going to do a number on your property.

Fog out the dirt balls to eliminate the bugs