I've been driving for dollars for a while now and come across a few interesting properties. They are city-owned.  I called the CITY OF TUCSON about them, seeing if I can purchase the property.  I was told to call a different dept as the one I called isn't in control of the property. I was informed that the properties are considered public housing, ie section 8.   

My questions are a few.

Do cities usually sell off public housing?

If so, is it usually cheaper to purchase these properties from the city? I've noticed on the county assessors office page that property values are much lower than the sale prices.  I noticed this long before covid so I don't think it's the state of the market.  

Does the city use their own property values to determine the sale price or do they go by current market values?

I've left a message with the correct dept and I'm awaiting a callback.  Is there anything I need to ask the city about these properties?

Thanks for your advice and help.