you might want to figure out what you actually have access to though so you know what you can deliver. 

-Where are state specific lease agreements that I can access for land lording? 

Probate records are accessible to the public at the probate court office.

The place is in ok condition but might need some updated paint, but otherwise it's in decent condition, so I might not even need to improve it or anything.

Just make sure you don’t limit your access to utilities, plumbing, etc.

Could oyu improve the property and then attact a different tenant base?

I never heard of tax lien getting reduced unless lien holder is municipalities itself and new owner will be making improvement to brighten the neighborhood.If property is located in New Jersey let me know I can help you find out who is the lien holder. 

You can have 1 VLB home loan, 1 VLB land loan and 1 VLB home improvement loan at the same time.

You can also give notice that you will be improving the apartments which naturally means an increase in rent.

Decide how much money you have access to, & the zip codes, city or state you want to focus on.