@Sam Falbo great questions, you should talk with a good CPA and business attorney probably.

Things like security funds and or power of attorney?

Tax deeds are recorded in the county real estate records.With that distinction in mind, I'll try to answer your questions:Properties with outstanding tax liens are sold all the time - the closing attorney pays off the tax liens with the proceeds from the sale just like he or she would pay off an outstanding mortgage or any other lien on the property.If a property is sold at a tax sale, the previous owner can't sell it to someone else without first redeeming the tax deed.  

While I know you are not a CPA or attorney, do you think it was a good route to take, or overkill?

Looking for an experienced Real Estate Attorney to assist with a rezoning/variance in Springfield Township (Montgomery County), PA.

Then I would search local craigslist listings looking for private sellers.I developed relationships with some local attorneys and accountants and would visit them weekly asking for any clients looking to sell homes or deceased estates.  

I will talk with my attorney about this, but I wanted to hear from people on here who have done this and may know some good tricks or tips to making this a profitable and relatively safe deal.Thanks!

Make sure to read the entire lease and to the extent you don't understand it get help from commercial brokers and/or attorneys. 

You will have to pay the money and have an attorney draw it up.

I'm just getting into real estate investing, and am looking for CPA & Attorney recommendations in Indy for a couple of buy-and-hold rentals I'm getting ready to purchase.