Perfecting the title

[Sandy Uhlmann]

Was curious to find out if it is worth trying to contact the previous owner of a property lost in a tax lien sale in order to try to entice the previous owner to sign the deed over vs paying an attorney for a quiet title action?  This would essentially be a "cash for deed."  I know all states and counties are a little different but in MO, if the landowner doesn't pay their taxes after 3 years, the property goes to sale.  If purchased at the sale, I believe there still is a redemption period of about a year.  It seems to be it would be worth an attempt to contact the land owner and at least find out their intentions.  If they plan to redeem-great!  I get the price I paid plus some interest.  If they no longer want the property and have no intention to redeem, it seems to me like for a token amount of money, they might be willing to sign the deed over to me so I can get clear title/a warranty deed and can move onto sell or do whatever I want with the property without worrying about a redemption period.  Is this a viable option or not realistic at all?

On the same subject of perfecting title, has anyone used any company that helps you perfect the title so the property is saleable?