Or worse, leave the house abandoned which would attract far worse energy.

What a great alternative for affordable housing .

House has great valley/mountain views, is close to national park and other attractions, and is on a half acre lot with much potential to develop in the future for additional outdoor amenities. 

Regarding the decision to sell vs. rent, as an alternative to selling, did you consider doing a cash-out refinance in order to pull out the equity in excess of what you had into it?

Or are there other alternatives I am not seeing?

Another alternative is that at the end of the 15th year, I can do a 1030 exchange of the condo for another property to live in and sell my house then.

The alternative is to inspect then maybe offer. 

Any alternate strategies I may not be thinking of?

You also can’t flip it or get a clear title until the redemption period is over, so these auctions attract more landlords than flippers who prefer trustee auctions which do come with any liens but no redemption periods, in Texas.It seems typical that liens and mortgages fall off at tax sales but you have to research the laws for your state.

The real interest rate of these products can go to as high as 20% but the loans are structured in such a complicated way that, sadly, most people don't realize that until it's too late.The alternative to bank financing is seller financing.