So if it’s gone up a lot by then, that’s another judgement call you have to make. 

If it owns nothing, then a judgement against it is uncollectable.

There is a "final judgement amount," and a "plaintiff max bid..."

As you ask questions, you also want to make a judgement (mentally) on the response you are hearing.

Then using your judgement to verify the gross income/expenses.

If you file properly, including proof of service or notice by publication, you would get a judgement in your favor that can then be turned into a judicial lien on the property. 

But I've successfully refinanced several of my properties out of HM loans, into 30-year fixed loans under my various entities with no concern focused towards my personal finances or debt-to-income beyond needing a certain minimum credit score and having no negative credit entries like bankruptcy, liens, judgements, or collections within a certain period of time. 

However, my judgement is that you will feel better about it, for the rest of your life, if you go after what is yours. 

If you get a judgement, it'll be there forever until it's handled.

Now I’m 3+ months into this closing process, full of lies and sidestepping from this sketchy seller, and the day of closing I find out a judgement still hasn’t been settled.