Navigating a Tax Auction

[Nathaniel Hovsepian]

I am coming up on my local tax auction an am very interested in a property that is going up for sale there. I am thinking that I will just attend the first one, and get a feel for the process and kind of test the waters before I make a purchase, but don't want to miss any opportunities that may arrise. 

In my county, there is a 60 day, or 12 month waiting period (depending on the type of levy) before you can do anything to the property.

During this time, what is to keep the previous owner from further destroying the house and wiping out your investment? 

Is there a way that you can protect yourself from such things happening? 

I would be curious to hear any other things to look out for when going to an auction, and things that you can do if you get the winning bid.