And if so, was how was the process (i.e. length of time to complete deal, obstacles in process, difficulty in setting a price or getting a reduction, etc.)?

I have had turnover after a little over a year with a tenant, followed by difficulty getting it rented out the second time. 

Quote from @Jackson Ebersole: Hi Laura,I'm sorry to hear you've been having difficulty finding funding.

Is anyone else experiencing the difficulty I am?  

Its hard to turn a property thats located in that part of lakewood into a "gem," like you say however it doesnt mean you cant make any money it just will be difficult.

Those who are experiencing some difficulty that makes them willing to exchange more money for the convenience of a quick sale.

Tax sales are a balancing act among (1) the need of government to collect property taxes and, if owners will not pay then, then to provide incentives for investors to purchase the tax rights and (2) investors, who need an attractive return for the risk they are taking, and (3) citizen taxpayers, who should not lose their property and all equity because of small debts and perhaps temporary or at least relatively short term financial difficulties.

The only difficulty is I’m trying to find a multifamily property in an older housing stock area but nonetheless an owners unit inside a larger house is the goal but hopefully I can get lucky with the items you pointed out as well. 

i come from the old school where equity was king and now am having some difficulty borrowing on an investment single family home with fifty percent down because of our debt to income ratio...i always worked to avoid paying taxes...

One of my tenants is in her upper 60's, she works for a temp agency and has difficulty paying her bills.