When you/or an assignee wires in the total funds required to purchase the property, they escrow company will use a portion of the funds to pay the delinquent taxes and other liens, prior to you or the seller getting paid.

I have 15 pieces, totalling about 2 acres , so, I think it's worth it and fun to go over everything and see what I'll find (beyond all of those damn nails and screws from renovations - lol  )

TOTAL GAME CHANGER. 

Smaller community banks and credit unions are your best bet.

@Egan LohmanBest bet for data analysis like this is to use the Google Maps API.

Total Profit if Sold: I just can't seem to get the numbers right!

They'll be your best bet.

They also take time to learn the area in more than just a superficial manner.No doubt that there are "better" opportunities in areas where the numbers make more sense, but a weekend Wells Fargo "Investor Seminar" held in the Bay Area doesn't give you all the tools you need to successfully operate in a place with which you are totally unfamiliar (personal anecdote).

You would be totally liable for your friend's actions or liabilities (if your friend gets sued and the other party can tie in the investment at all, you could be sued even though you had nothing to do with it).An LLC is probably the best best for what you are looking to do. 

Here is my planuse remaining 1031 exch money for unit #1 ( need full price to satisfy the total 1031 exch minimum)Get a 30% price cut on the other 2 unitsGet hard money loan 18mo for 100% purchase of the 2 units.