Buying a property with a tax lien

[Eugene Thurston]

Good morning Bigger Pockets,

I am interested in purchasing a property that looks like a good rehab project. The property’s owner passed away a few years ago and their daughter now owns the property but she lives out of state. There is currently a tax lien on the project. What is the best course of action for me to follow? Do I contact the owner, and if so, how do I go about doing that? Or should I contact my city tax collector? 
thank you for your help!

[Ned Carey]

@Eugene Thurston If you buy from the owner you need to get the deal done before the tax deed auction. (There may possibly be a "right of redemption period" after the tax auction. This would give you some more time but you need to check New Hampshire law)

Now is the daughter the actual owner on title now?  She might be the legal heir but she can't sell it until it is in her name. If it is not yet in her name you can buy it from the estate. However often in these situations an estate hasn't yet been opened. The heirs may not understand what is legally required to sell you the property.

If an estate needs to be opened that is more time and you are under the gun due to the pending tax auction. You can stop the auction by simply paying the taxes. If it has already gone to auction in a tax deed state it may be too late.