I have just over 10 seasons of HD under my belt now (across three worlds) and am starting to get into the groove of things.  That being said, unfortunately none of my teams have reached the B or above prestige ratings yet.  So recruiting is still all about "patience" and waiting til right before signing begins to actually start spending money.

THE QUESTION I actually have comes from the following hypothetical scenario:

 As a team with C or C+ prestige, I see a solid JUCO guard that would perfectly fit in with my squad but am afraid I won't have a chance to get him since more than likely a Higher prestige will come scoop him up.  IF I were to drop 4 Scouting Trips, Promise Start and Couple HV and CVs within the first couple cycles, would my massive $$ invested in him help tilt the scales in my favor, compared to a higher prestige coach that might only invest a couple scouting trips and a HV? 

TLDR:  Does spending a massive amount of recruiting $ upfront help tilt the scales in my favor vs a higher prestige coach that might be looking to add this player as a depth guy.

Thanks in advance

Unless it's d1, prestige matters very little in the calculation of recruiting effort.

As mentioned above, in D2/D3 prestige doesn't have much of an impact in battles.  It's really all about money.  So in your hypothetical situation, if a higher prestige school invests a couple scouting trips and a HV, you could win the battle with a couple scouting trips and 2 HVs.  

Just an aside, scouting trips are a very inefficient recruiting tool.  You should only use them to gather information about "high-highs" or pull a player down.  If you are recruiting a same division player, use only HVs or CVs (depending on the distance from your school), and optionally guaranteed starts/minutes. 

Alright thanks guys.  If a recruit says you are a 'back up option', flooding him with HV/CVs won't change his mind right? It was my understanding that I sit back and wait with those recruits and hope they give me a call back.

What you described is what we refer to as a "dropdown".   You get the backup option note and then wait for him to decide you can recruit him.

You can also "pull" him down,  He'll reject HV and CV but if you offer a scholarship and 10 ST's you usually show up on his "considering list".  Now,  this doesn't always work quite so quick and easy but it is an option.

10 the magic number or a ball park?  I only ask because I've seen it stated on various posts throughout this forum and that seems pretty expensive tatic, especially if i end up loosing out on him ($1000+ out the window).  I pulled down my two core studs off my CNU team (Knight) with only 3-5 STs.. and a little patience.

Couple things:

1. Ten is the "opening bid".   I have seen people claim to do it in 8 but I no one really credible.
2. It is expensive.  Some people live by, I don't do it much unless the player is super close and REALLY  good.  I have 5 teams right now, and the only player I pulled down is Bob Cao on my CPP team in Tark.   He's gonna end up with 1700+ career points.
3. It is totally risky.   If you are going to pull people down you have to be willing to either cut bait or spend a ton of money on him if a higher level school starts to recruit him.   It's way easier to fight off a D2 school from D3 then D1 from D2.   If you're willing to pull him down, there may be competion from schools at your level as well.  It's a gamble.
3. If you "pulled down" a player with only 3 ST's he was probably dropped down while you were waiting.   Did he consider you as soon as you got the message?  How long was it after recruiting started?

fwiw I have successfully pulled down with fewer SVs later in recruiting.  Although as TJ points out, I can't really say 100% if it was a "pulldown" or he happened to drop down at the same time I sent some SVs.

But given that, I would put the SV number about 8 if you wait a day into recruiting.  After signings have started, I have pulled down with as few as 6 SVs, and it wouldn't surprise me if it could be done with even fewer.

I can't recall ever pulling down with fewer than 10 SVs on the opening night of recruiting.  I might not have tried, though.

There is no reason to get into an expensive recruiting battle at div 3 I have been at div 3 for 44 seasons and initially I panicked thinking I would wind up with scrubs if I didn't spend huge amounts. Check my history it took a looooong time before I smartened up.
1. Do a search setting the distance at 300mi (if not many choices expand but not over 500mi) Set your search criteria (try WE 30 others depend on the position) do this for div 2 also.
2. Fire off coach calls to see who is "get able". (you might get some pleasant surprises)
3. For FSS look for states with multiple choices make sure that the number of players make the FSS worthwhile (paying 1200 to look at two players just doesn't make sense) I would grudgingly pay 200 for one player.
4. When you look at these players don't let low total overall scare you off. Red isn't bad if it is in an area that has nothing to do with that pos (Cs don't need to shoot 3 pointers)
5. watch for others chasing your players drop them from your list (unless div 3 sim)
6. send scouting trips for the top choices at each pos (say 3 players)
7. If the player hasn't dropped yet send lvl 1 calls until they drop. If dropped go for a home visit this should get you "on their radar" once there relax you will probably get the player
Good luck and remember advice from guys like Trentonjoe trump anything the rest of us grunts may say (success talks)

Just a bit of advice for d3. If the player is over 80-100 miles away, it's hard er to pull them down. If it hasnt been said, make sure you send some calls to see if they'll be at all interested before sending amy scouting visits.