I call what you are doing as a "Sheriff's Sale" Have done these off and on for 30 years. These are properties with taxes and attorney fees due. My best deal was in a Texas County where the fees were way more than the properties were worth. A very savy school board member was tired of no one every bidding on the the hundred plus properties were being passed at every first of the month auctions. The School Board member wanted to get these properties back on the tax rolls to someone who would pay the taxes. He presented his plan to the Sheriff and the County Commissioners and all agreed.
The next month a special one time no minimum auction was held. I went with the funds to buy the two properties I was most interested in. The first property auctioned was forty acres. The auctioneer opened bid at $100. No one bid, so I bid the $100 and he tried to get a higher bid. No one responded and he started his going once, going twice and sold. Folks were just not tuned in or something and when I stepped in with my bid, they just did no react. Was able to buy the two properties I wanted also, but with most spirited bidding, but still a good deal.
Best luck to you. PM me.
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