Need AC advice

I recently purchased a 2000 Tacoma with a non-working air conditioner. All that I have determined initially is that the fan blows hot air and the belt to the ac compressor pulley is missing altogether. According to the previous owner it hasn't worked for several years. What first steps should I take to troubleshoot? Im fairly good with a wrench but ac work is one area that Im completely in the dark about. If possible I'd prefer to do most of the labor myself and leave it to the shop to handle the refrigerant and so forth. Any insight or opinion would be greatly appreciated and I'm stoked to be a new member of the site. Thanks so much!

 

Welcome.
If the belt is off it's a good chance the compressor is seized . With the engine off reach down and try to rotate the outmost portion of the compressor. There're should be some resistance but smooth.

If you can't you more than likely need a compressor assembly to start.
If you can throw a belt on it and see if the clutch bearing is quiet while running.
Get it to a shop and get a evac and recharge with dye and have them see if it will activate.
Go for there.
But I think your going to stop at step one..
Good luck. AC is a money pit sometimes.