Pitfalls Of buying common areas at tax sale

[Ben Martorano]

I am considering bidding on a piece of land at a tax sale. It is in a subdivision and it looks like a piece of land that was at one time a common area (or intended to be). My play would be to buy it and offer it back to sale to either the association or one of the homes that it borders as it would extend or double the size of several back yards. It also looks like there is a small shed partially on it. 

Any questions concerns or pitfalls? Thanks 

[Ned Carey]

@Ben Martorano just as @Bruce Lynn that is a very risky strategy. Why would the HOA buy it back. If they let it go they never have to pay taxes on it again.

Why would a neighbor buy it. It is already there. It is not going anywhere. The only reason to buy it is if you KNOW it is a build-able lot and there is demand if a house is built there. 

I have been doing this for 15 years. Can you guess why I know to point that out?