@Ron Yanuszewski  It's not really the government that's involved in your loan process.  

They did not have good rental records for the 900 apparently tenant pays half and government pays half.

Just like I'd love a cheap place in Monaco, but I'm not entitled to have it for life from some governing body. 

First step is to check with any government agencies that would have records on the wells.. hopefully they will, as well as an as-built so you know which is which.Then, unless your budget is really tight, hire a well company to come trouble shoot the well, find out which one is flowing, get a pump installed....

Make friends increase your circle of influence - Hire a private detective - they are good at finding people (give his a piece of the profits)Check the death notices or search government record for certificates of death, check the obituary for next of kin - contact them. 

Shoot, one of them (w/almost 200K student loan debt (undergrad and grad)) was even able to get a down payment assistance grant from a local community lender (She is an attorney for a local government agency).

No government-imposed deadlines.

In 3 words, "The American Dream"Legacy of financial freedom and independence for my children.I grew up with extremely dedicated 1st generation immigrant parents who sacrificed a tremendous amount of their life for their children and no amount of money can replace their love and hard work for my sister and I.However, as they face retirement - hard work was not enough to keep them from depending on government social security and their kids.  

The rules and laws that govern the earnest money is different in each state.

Once you understand whats being proposed by the local government for the area, then you can make an informed decision on whether or not you want to invest there.I'd also look to acquire property for about half of your budget and pick a property you can successfully reposition.