Getting a property w/ a lien that someone purchased 6 yrs ago.

[Cynthia Hartley]

Hi BP Members,

I'm hoping you can help point me in the right direction on a complicated tax lien situation. 

There is an abandoned property in Baltimore City that I would like to acquire. I inquired with the Baltimore DHCD and they initiated a receivership for the property. However, we soon learned that someone purchased the tax lien to the property in 2011. Two years later the person filed for foreclosure, and it was granted. However, they never registered their title - the title is still in the original owner's name - so the city recently filed to dismiss the foreclosure. The decision is pending. 

Additionally, the taxes from 2012 - 2016 have not been paid. I've been told that the 2012 - 2016 lien is with the Mayor's office and City Council and that I could purchase the lien from them. I was later told by someone else that I would not be able to purchase the lien 2012-2016 lien since the city has filed for receivership

I have several questions regarding this situation. 

1. If the person who purchased the lien in 2011 has not paid taxes in 5 years - although the court erroneously allowed them to foreclose without them having registered title - do they still hold the lien? Wouldn't there be some sort of expiration on the 2011 lien if they did not followed through with the registration of title or if they have not paid future years taxes?

2. Should I attempt to acquire the 2012 - 2016 tax liens now and then worry about the 2011 tax lien or do I need to secure the 2011 tax lien first. 

3. Is there a way to purchase the 2012 - 2016 tax lien before it goes to auction. 

Apologies in advance if what I've written is confusing.This is new for me and I'm still trying to learn how things work in Baltimore City. 

Thanks in advance for your guidance. Happy to answer questions for clarification.