: The investor willing to accept the lowest interest rate wins.
: About 98% of owners redeem their liens , meaning you get your money plus interest. If they don't, you may eventually be able to foreclose and take ownership. Critical Risks to Watch
: Mark paid the $2,500 in back taxes electronically. Six months later, the homeowner paid their debt to the county. Mark received his original $2,500 back, plus the guaranteed interest , netting him a much better return than his bank account ever offered. He didn't get a house, but he did get a "risk-free" profit secured by real estate . How the Process Works
: Investors bid a cash amount above the tax debt; the highest bidder wins.
: You must register with the county or a third-party platform and often provide a deposit before participating .
: Your money is tied up until the owner pays. You cannot easily "sell" the lien if you need cash quickly.
: You might win a lien on a property that is environmentally contaminated or landlocked.