Can I back file my taxes for the 1998 season, if so how do I go about getting my w2's for that year? Can I claim my house and homestead exemption from that year as well?

You can go back as far as you like to file a tax return, however you can only go back up to 3 years to get a refund. It is doubtful that any tax software would have a program for a year so long ago. You would need to contact the IRS for both the forms and your W-2s.