Tax Liens in SC Questions

[Valery Mora Kepley]

I am researching investing in tax liens in SC. I have a few questions that may be stupid, but some basic things I have a hard time with.

Most counties I've looked at have live auctions and require a cashiers check. How do I know in advance the amount I should have the check prepared for? I don't bank with an easily accessible bank.  Would I get it made out in excess of what I bid? Is there alternative payments?

How do I know if liens will be sold in lots or separately? 

Is there a way to access the liens that do not get sold after the auction? How do I do that?

I am looking at the coastal counties. Will there be liens to be bought, or do the big investors scoop them up?

It looks like most liens are redeemed with minimal work on the investor part. If the lien is not redeemed, is it easy to take control of the property? Do other lien holders have superior rights? If tenants exist, is there a big problem?

Thanks for reading!