If at any point the property owner pays off the overdue property taxes before the lien expires (period may vary by state), the county is the party that earns the interest.Properties that are owner-occupied (as indicated by a homestead exemption showing up on the annual tax bills) or have a mortgage are most likely to be bid on because they have a higher likelihood of being paid off either by the homeowner or the mortgagee (the lender); the homeowner probably doesn't want to lose his/her place of residence and the lender probably doesn't want to lose its investment.If no one has bid on a lien, there are likely issue(s) with the property that, in the eyes of bidders with investor mindsets, render the property valueless, for example:the property has no direct access (landlocked or waterlocked),the property is too small to be built on as-of-right per the municipality's zoning codes,the property is contaminated (a Phase I environmental report would scour records on the property to see if contamination is likely, and if so, a Phase II environmental report would be done and soil, etc. samples would be taken to confirm the contamination),the market fundamentals indicate little probability for profit given the level of risk, such as high vacancy rates, low rents, or slow sale/rental velocity,the property is in a "poor" location due to many of the types of things that turn off people looking for a home in which to live, such as high crime; poor or nonexistent infrastructure, such a streets, water & sewer, etc.; too rural/too urban; neighboring uses detrimental to the property's value, e.g. railroad, warehousing/industrial district, jail/prison, cemetery, etc.I hope that helps!

In fact, I feel in a lot of ways they are a better investment option than SFHs in a city you live in because you can manage it yourself and "save" money on property management.I am a Realtor here in town for Velocity Real Estate and Investments and I own a couple of rentals myself.

I'm looking to accelerate the velocity of money and increase returns. 

Plus...escape velocity...Episode 113 – Jay Papasan - Very practical slow and steady adviceEpisode 221 - Tim Shiner - his concept of equity build up and "shearing the sheep" shows some of the flexibility of real estate vs a 401k Last but not least, I strongly recommend all the tax advice given by my fellow CPAs.Amanda HanBrandon HallTax Reform Update – Brandon Hall and Amanda Han Linda Weygant GuidesUltimate Beginners Guide Forum StickiesBP Calculators or spreadsheets uploaded by membersMy Favorite Books I have to say all of the BP books…right?

Plus...escape velocity...Episode 113 – Jay Papasan - Very practical slow and steady adviceEpisode 221 - Tim Shiner - his concept of equity build up and "shearing the sheep" shows some of the flexibility of real estate vs a 401k Last but not least, I strongly recommend all the tax advice given by my fellow CPAs.Amanda HanBrandon HallTax Reform Update – Brandon Hall and Amanda Han Linda Weygant GuidesUltimate Beginners Guide Forum StickiesBP Calculators or spreadsheets uploaded by membersMy Favorite Books I have to say all of the BP books…right?

At some point we need to consider the velocity of our money.

Plus...escape velocity...Episode 113 – Jay Papasan - Very practical slow and steady adviceEpisode 221 - Tim Shiner - his concept of equity build up and "shearing the sheep" shows some of the flexibility of real estate vs a 401k Last but not least, I also recommend all the tax advice given by my fellow CPAs on the BP Podcast.

Many investors underwrite using an IRR metric and without a projected exit in the underwriting, the IRR will not be as appealing to the majority of the investors who favor more velocity in their money. 

I know that with the house free and clear after I close that I can borrow against it cheaply, but having $190K cash out there will inhibit my ability to close on other properties.Gus,To me the velocity of money is more important than the actual profit specially if you can find another deal which is even more profitable than this one.Do you have anothe deal lined up that will be a better use of your time (example: higher profit fix and flip)?

VELOCITY OF MONEY baby.