You will need to find out what, if any, liens and other judgements are recorded on the property that you may need to pay off. 

Don't have the original checks from them because this is a really old lease that has been renewed multiple times and the bank info changed.  1 of them wants to move out now and is saying she put in 1/2th of the security deposit - which makes sense. should we go with what she says, and cut a check for $500 to return her portion of the security deposit and maintain that record? 

This is not public record information, you really can't. 

Holding and distributing the purchase funds (escrow agent of the buyer, seller and lender), preparing the closing docs including the deed and mortgages if any and seeing to their recording (closing agent of the same) and issuing a title policy on behalf of the title insurer (policy issuing agent of the insurer). 

although little known is the record Walleye's are caught in the Columbia River out of the Dalles.. 

City Property/Tax Records (Same owner for 30+ years, Assessment value $131k, last refinanced in 2005)County Lein Records (Tax lien was released to allow mortgage company to auction, owes $19,400 in back property taxes)Report from AuctioneerNotice of Sheriff's Auction from CountyResearched comps in the area to know possible market value ($185k-$215k)Looked at images from Google maps street viewIt's vacant and I've driven by it a few timesI know we'll be able to go in an look around at the auction but other than that, is there any other information I might want to look up before auction day?

Cameras change the game, pure and simple, especially cameras with digital recording, night vision, web upload capabilities, motion detection spotlights.

As a new investor, I see a potential problem with using hard money, as I don't have a track record.

Indicate that you are going to start the eviction process, but if he is out in 10 days and the unit is in expected move out condition, you will provide a positive referral and the eviction will not be on his record.  

I would give an application if they push just so I have a better record of turning them down and why.