Tax lien certificate question

[Gene Walker]

I have a price quote from the land commissioner for two adjoining undeveloped land parcels totaling 18 acres  in Jefferson county Alabama showing a sale to the state date of 5/24/2016. I would like to know if I can legally possess the land with a tax lien certificate and at what date would I be issued a tax deed? 3 years from the last time taxes were paid or 3 years from the date of the sale to the state of Alabama? Thanks in advance!