In my case, I am the money/W2 Employee/loan holder/deal finder/admin partner and I am looking to partner with an experienced General Contractor to fully manage the rehab aspect. 

I also already own 15 condos in this complex, so I know who the original developer was, and only had to trace the title chain back to him.I have a statement from the mortgage holder, and I know what the payoff amount is.Our closing day is going to look like this: I call the county clerk to verify that the seller is still the owner.

If your building is not approved you need a tenant who is a section 8 voucher holder that wants to rent your property and then the process can begin.  

contact the existing mortgage holder. 

I was under the impression that when a note is purchased and there is a  1st mortgage on it that I am, as the note holder, still 1st in line if foreclosure happens.

Can a tax lien certificate holder use the lien as leverage to negotiate a favorable lease-to-own agreement with the owner?

A servicer sent us a white paper from an attorney warning about new requirements for junior lien holders in OH. 

RESIDENT agrees that the rights of the holder of any present or future mortgage or contract for deed are superior to any RESIDENT'S rights.

You need to learn the rules for the state.Also, out east, it's common that the lien holder is responsible for contacting the homeowner and getting them to pay the taxes and interest.In the Midwest and West coast, it's common that the lien holder does NOT contact the owner at all.

There has to be a (good) reason as to why the current note holder has not renegotiated terms with the payor.You just want to make sure you eventually don't become the motivated note seller.