Buying Property at Tax Sale (Texas, specifically Harris Co.)

[Cynthia Martinez]

Looking to hear others' experience and insights -  

-How to quickly diligence outstanding liabilities (e.g. mortgages) that would not be wiped out by the sale?  

-Minimum red flag diligence to determine a max bid and cover major risks, while still being an efficient use of time?

-For residential property - expectations for the property while prior owner has redemption right - challenging to resell or lease during this period?  likely scenario to evict / lease-back property to prior (tax delinquent) owners?

-Specific to Harris County, TX -  is this sale too competitive to find a good deal? If so, which surrounding counties would you consider, if any?

-If you have pursued tax sales (especially if in the Harris county / surrounding county areas) - did you find success with this approach or did you abandon it?

Thank you!