Small town guy from/in Texas, looking seriously into getting into the "subject to" side of the real estate market.

Such deeds can still be subject to buyer's equity/foreclosure laws. 

Try to use a combination of  a subject two lease and and equity buy in.

Luck is discounted because of the belief it is not subject to our control.  

Finally, are there any good books on the subject ?

If you find out they do, please let me know so I'll  be better informed on that subject.

A better option might just be to do a subject to deal or seller financed deal but if they are unwilling to give up the title and deed then go with what you're doing.

Your best plan is to wait it out unless you have the specific skills to close escrow subject to the IRS lien and use your knowledge to remedy or compromise post closing. 

There is an entire universe of subject matter here and it is not clear which direction you really are trying to venture of into.  

If it was stock it would be strict capital gains.If it was just a gross gain such as on a stock or item not subject to depreciation it would be taxed at 0 percent, then 15 percent, and then if your taxable income where to reach 406k it would be at 20% of the amount over..3.8% on 210k would be: 7980 on top of the income tax.