Before or after can be arranged. 

Overall, given the issues you brought up, I don't think this relationship is going to work and  I'd caution you to enter this arrangement.  

My background check service has an arrangement where all that "boiler plate" stuff was resolve when I signed-up. 

You'd really have to find out who is handling the case in order to arrange an off-market sale.

I know I'm going to do a house hack and have been contemplating ways to reduce my initial capital as much as possible, as I have next to nothing available anyway. 

The owner was unsuspecting until he started getting notices of delinquency and distress.The handshake arrangement was that the current owner would take ownership of the property but the "friend" was suppose to keep up the property and pay the taxes.  

Sounds like you will need to negotiate some sort of arrangement to pay the back dues as part of the closing.

I had joined Broward and have really been contemplating going to their event on the 4th but it really seems like just a big sales pitch judging by the e-mails I have received (I may be WAY wrong on that assumption)Thanks for the info!

The longer the term the more risk there will be. 20 years is fine for a corporation as life occurrences don't really apply but carry different business risks, even so, a corporate lease option to buy arrangement is business decision.

I then plan to place offers based on calculated target price, and through the inspection period verify my assumptions through Contractor and PM walk throughs.Below is a recent listing that I'm contemplating making a low offer on based on a walk through yesterday, and would appreciate any feedback:Property is in a C+ area (For those Metro Detroit investors, West Dearborn), and is Bank Owned. 3BR, 1.1 BA, 1,164 Sq FtAsking price is $64K.