Is there any way to get first dibs on a tax lien?

[William Hall]

Recently I was notified of a potential opportunity in a nearby city by a friend who works for the city foreclosing on properties. The homeowner is 190k in arrears and the city foreclosed the day before yesterday. Currently the property is internet valued at 1.2mil and has no mortgage or any other lien holders. I went there yesterday to see if I could speak with the homeowner and pay the taxes and give him a fee on top of it in exchange for the property but he is kind of out of his mind. The guy eventually came to the door yelling and screaming saying he didn't have to pay taxes because he was a "cripple". So there was really no reasoning with him, he seriously believes he doesn't have to pay taxes. My question is is there any way I can ensure to be in the first position to buy the tax certificate so I don't lose the property? I have the money to invest in this but I'm afraid that someone more experienced will get wind of this and move on this before me. Any advice?