Some states have abbreviated death and birth certs available to the public that have the dates and location, but not much else.Finding next of kin is pretty vague and somewhat useless.  

as a newbie I think it could be helpful if bigger pockets had a wiki section with a definition and process of certain real estate terms and abbreviations for example: Land Trust, Short sales, Ect.

The OP is is also fortunate in that BP allows members to hide behind false names and abbreviations.  

Obviously this is an extremely abbreviated synopsis on leasing and how to use it to get started, but I think this forum post could spark some interest in some noobs and get a conversation going.  

Learn some of the real estate lingo Glossary ,  Abbreviations D.

As a newbie to real estate investing wholesaler, I do not understand the abbreviations I notice being used by many as I read the forums.

Two (abbreviated) schools of thought: expand your circle or work on your existing circle.Most people focus on expanding their circle.

As mentioned, setting up keywords can be a great way start narrowing your search, but sometimes it's not always accurate - typos, abbreviations, etc., can sometimes throw that off.Another easy way to help navigate the site is clicking on the "Forums" tab, and then going to "Browse Forums". 

(Henceforth abbreviated STR, MTR, and LTR) STR’s and MTR’s tend to be furnished units, where as LTR’s tend to be unfurnished.

It will take some time, but you want REI to become second nature, noticing terms/abbreviations, and understanding what people are even talking about out there.In terms of networking, you've kind of already started.