Here are some resources you might read for PA.https://www.macdonaldillig.com/judicial-tax-salehttps://www.taxsaleresources.com/state/pennsylvaniahttps://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1947/0/0542....https://www.indianacountypa.gov/departments/tax-claim/proper...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/122546-aquir...https://www.vinsko.com/blog/2022/08/tax-sales-sheriff-sales-...https://phillysheriff.com/real-estate/conditions-of-sale-for...https://www.curleyrothman.com/blog/how-do-tax-sales-work-in-...https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1947/0/0542....Here are some resources you might read for MD.https://www.taxsaleresources.com/blog/expert-interview-with-...

They want to send me to the commercial loan department where the rates are awful, closing costs are high, and the requirements much more robust.What if I just get a second-home construction to permanent loan, wait 12-16 months for it to be built, spend another 90-120 days furnishing it, and then refinance into a traditional 30 year fixed as an investment property?

They questioned them and sent to legal department.

That residential department will often not speak to the commercial department.

I checked with the City and both the Planning and the Building departments said they don't require a Survey.

After contact the billing department they said that my complaint was sent to management.

I encourage all others who have been swindled or have had similar experiences to share them too and to submit complaints to the Better Business Bureau, Department of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, State Board of Accountancy, Federal Trade Commission, Police Department’s Financial Crime Unit, and the District Attorney.

Then, of course, visit real property/tax department for past due/current payment status of all taxes.

You can always try check with the city's planning or building & safety departments to see if they have any type of file related to the parcel, and if they do, if there is any due diligence in the file, i.e. soils, etc. 

My apologies, building department.