What to do when owner owes 19k in property taxes?

[Benjamin Blackburn]

Hello everyone, I have a quick question. Earlier today I went to go check out a house that an individual was selling. It's in horrible shape and needs to be torn down, literally! I told him that I would be able to give him an offer once I got home and ran the numbers, thinking that I would be able to get it for next to nothing. Until I saw that he owes $19,000 in back taxes. What can I do? Hopefully there is something, because he's really trying to get it off of his hands. And honestly, I wouldn't mind acquiring get for myself. Any input would be highly appreciated. Thank you

[Joseph King]

Please correct me if Texas works different, 19k on back taxes I wouldn't even talk to the seller anymore. I would go straight to the county clerks office and see if you  can purchase over counter tax deeds. 19k on a property like that tells me that property hasn't been paid in years. So now if the seller doesn't redeem and pay you a certain percentage  plus your 19k (state by state I think Texas is around 20%) you will get the deed to the property. Win-Win to me.