I’ve called the county office that handles the sale several times to get more info about wether the tax sale wipes out existing liens or if the county even notifies the lien holders, to no avail.

That said - deals still exist!

@Nicholas Welch I would look for a lender that can apply the existing rents to your income.

They will also be able to advise on getting the existing unit permitted (and helping with anything that will be required to get it to code). 

I'm purchasing a property with an existing tenant who has expressed a desire to stay.

All this to say I feel like I have exhausted every idea and I am not totally sure if there is actually a viable solution that even exists.

Thanks for the info.Yes, the point for rate program is existing for some times. 

I’d love to meet good people who can help in different projects I may need to do for existing and future properties.

You are correct though, cash flow is becoming slimmer and slimmer; practically non-existent in many parts of the city. 

The guy had moved out two months ahead of end of lease, took the internet which made watering non existent (smart wifi watering).