Negotiating back taxes and liens HELP

[Dan Costantino]

A seller from Out of state responded to my letter to sell his duplex. He wants nothing for his property except for me to clear the bac taxes and liens. He sent me the statements from the school district, county, and borough wich includes trash, water and sewer statements. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area.

My question is this.....can anyone give me advice or share stories about negotiating with the borough or school district? Have you had success negotiating off the penalties and interest? Have they simply cut a large chunk off the balance?

Are there any key phrases I should use? The guy hasn't paid in over 7 yrs so I will use that as leverage. Even paying face value, I'm at 35% of ARV.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.