Need a little help determining the acreage of a plot of land.

First off, how do would I determine if the county has already taken over the property and plan to auction it off.

My wife hates moving and although she understands our goal of building a portfolio she wouldn't be keen on moving to a worse neighborhood or smaller living space simply to get a lower down payment. 

You need to focus on determining if there is a long term solution (for both you and her!)

I can't seem to determine how much it could sell for if it was all fixed up correctly.

A couple of the tenants simply left with cash in pocket (and only paid once they leave the property, a common mistake made by good hearted investors).

However, what's to keep the defendant who lost in Small Claims Court, that screwed over John Smith / landlord for past due rent and trashed his property, from saying that $4,000 Judgment was simply a pissed off uncle over the sale of horse, etc.?

Those who lack determination and self motivation need to do something else as this business is not for the weak hearted. 

Simply put, for the context of this post, prospects consist of a broad audience or group of people who match your pre-defined criteria, and leads are prospects who actually qualify for your services.

A fiduciary will still need to be appointed (and possibly challenged), heirs determined, and time for marshaling assets and dealing with creditor claims factored in.