Sheriff in Texas owns property in different county.

[David Zuniga]

I came across a property that is owned by a sheriff's department in a different county. The property does not come up in the auction. Has anyone dealt with the purchase of a property outside of the sheriff auction? What tips can anyone give me on how to navigate this acquisition? Very much appreciated. This is in Texas. 

[Lynnette E.]

I am assuming it is not listed for sale.  (If it is listed, treat it like any real estate purchase.)  They likely will not sell it unless its is auctioned or listed.  A private, closed sale would not be likely.

It may not be something they desire to sell.  It may be a 'safe house'.  Or it may be an undercover place where undercover officers live or set up/plan activities.  It may be a 'hot house'.  It may be an interagency meeting place.

The federal agency I used to work for had access to about a dozen regular houses for visiting officers who will be serving warrants, etc. could stay without being detected--houses in the name of another agency/department.  Lots of 'sharing' with interagency agreements.  In small towns going to a hotel would let everyone in town know something was up.  They also had plain clothes weekly interagency planning meetings in a house.