These properties have new liens up for sale but I'm hesitant to buy any because I'm not sure why the certificate holders haven't started the foreclosure process even though they are years past the required redemption period (2 years in Florida).

Hi Shannon, He was living with his father who is elderly but his name was not on any of the transaction or escrow paper work.Also I spoke with another real estate attorney he mentioned, since this sale was a done by one agent (I had to use the sellers agent ) The realtor has failed to do her Fiduciary Duty in protecting the rights of the sellers' which in this case my wife and I.

It's sufficiently common that I have the max sales price in my area with exactly 3.5% down memorized -- $648,186 for a SFR.

If you do not have your license, what issues have you run into as far as for sale by owner and closings? 

build and sale or rentals? 

Pre-foreclosure means there has been no foreclosure sale. 

The Corp reports it as a sale of the property held long term and then the distribution of it as well. 

These are generally referred to as "turn-key" and there are lots for sale.  

Me personally, I would be tempted to put up for sale as-is for what you bought it for and walk away after a certain time as you will then incur other expenses.  

Look into tax sales and liens.