Or can you take possession of the property and for example rent it out?

I requested vacant possession, but it may not work out that way.  

Filed Writ of Possession and Sheriff posted the letter to the door.

5.If you buy the home from a bank during the redemption and the house is vacant can you take possession?

So does the county ever take possession of a house where taxes are not being paid?

I have experience buying at Hubzu auction properties, Occupied properties the winning bidder isresponsible for executing the writ of possession all states and county are different in the process of eviction.

Otherwise , the landlord could open themselves up to potential problems in denying possession .  

This property is reported to be occupied and buyer is responsible for obtaining possession.

I possess the necessary skills to do much of the renovation myself, and with dual incomes from myself and my (long-term) girlfriend, I think investing in a fixer-upper, multi-family home is a logical step for us. 

How close is the county to taking possession of the property?