Buying a tax sale property is a "high-risk, high-reward" investment where a government body auctions off real estate because the owner has failed to pay property taxes. 1. Know the Two Main Types
The rules vary by county, but the standard flow usually looks like this:
Most auctions require you to register in advance and may ask for a deposit (e.g., 10%–15% of the property value).
You buy a "tax lien certificate." You don't own the house yet; you own the debt. You earn interest on that debt, and if the owner never pays you back, you can eventually foreclose to take the property. 2. The Step-by-Step Process
Contact your county treasurer or tax collector's office for the "delinquent tax list".