Is tax lien purchase an option?

[Bob Burke]

I have found a house which has been vacant since 2015 when the owner died intestate. The potential heirs include an aunt of the deceased and 7 cousins. None want to pursue the probate process and seem content to have the property eventually proceed to a tax sale... Despite my offer to cover all costs to clear title, they are adamant about having nothing to do with the property. In Virginia, could I purchase the tax lien and take possession of the property somehow? Relative to the ARV, the tax due is very low...if there is a way to “possess “ the property I could generate great cash flow over time even if a future sale might be difficult... Any suggestions appreciated...I hate to walk away from this one!

[John Underwood]

Bob, You said you would like to generate great cash flow over time even if a sale in the future was difficult. Was there a Will? If so who did the house go to? Get that person to sign a Quit Claim deed to you. If no will, who was closest relative, the Aunt maybe? Get her to sign a QC claim deed. If she wasn't the obvious closest relative get them all to sign QC deeds or as many as possible starting with the Aunt. Offer them a couple hundred each for their time. Explain they are not selling the property they are just Quitting any claim they have to the property.

Then pay the back taxes and rent it forever. 

You could still sell it to an investor for cash with a QC deed in the future if you wanted.