One of the many ways I use to to acquire properties that have been advertised for tax lien auction is to go directly to the property with the tax sale lien notice.If the house if vacant, I start my search for the ownerI try to make an offer to buy it or control it subject to re-sale by public auctionI sometimes make an offer to buy while doing a joint venture with the seller (I call it a hybrid offer)There are times when the owner just forgot to pay the taxes, or intends to pay them later or just buying some time until the property is sold or refinanced.If it is occupied, I just tell them that as a private service I wanted to inform them that they have rights during the tax sale procedures (I explain their rights and what options they have), many times the owner appreciates this information and may later call you to make an offer.I realize that while on my way to the tax lien property that I will be driving pass hundreds of other properties where I may see a FSBO or a vacant house that might be a prospect for me.I understand the Universal Law a Reciprocity and how it works, to give freely of your service or advise, the law says you will be rewarded sometime in the future when you don't expect it.Helping other is something you can feel good about.Being active in the field is the best way to find good deals (better than letter writing).

Ask them questions, who is the seller, what was the problem, how long was it on the market, how can you reach the sellers, let the agent know that you'll pay them a fee if they help you buy the property before the auction.....this will eliminate your competitionbe pro-active, do your research, don't just show up....you need history of the property before you bid, do this and you will succeed, do not do it and you will over-payvisit the property before the auction sale, try to find the owner, ask questions (sometimes you can stop the auction by making an offer to buy directly for the owner (always check the local laws about buying directly from owners in foreclosurs, you would be safe by using an agent, called arms length agreement, you pay the agent for this service.talk to the neighbors, find out what's going on, the history of the property and the ownership, neighbor usually love to talk and will give you some great insightsIs the house vacant, for how long, can you get inside to do an inspectioncheck the public records, what liens are on the property, what violations, back taxes, water bills etcif buying directly form the seller (using an agent), make sure you have a lien and title report to protect you from buying a property with other liens or judgementsOther ideas for you that may help you understand the auction business better:Contact auction companies (always talk to the principle of the company). 

@Dina Harleth,  IRS Publication 527 will be your guide.  

I would suggest that you develop a relationship with a local public adjuster now - before something happens. 

Is there a public list in Ga?

I would spend time finding through public records the companies that are actually buying.. then I would cold call them. 

Provide safe pedestrian and vehicular access from a public or private street.

Theres one, 2 unit house across the street from me thats been vacant for years, I got the owners info using public records and plan on sending out a letter tomorrow.

I have a network of buyers to which I e-mail the listing, I don't market these properties to the public.

The preamble (meaning - a preliminary or preparatory statement; introduction), is the beating heart and the essence of the beginning of a successful transaction.Over the years of Trial and Terror, experimenting with contract clauses, assignments, auctions and legal defenses, and getting offers accepted successfully, I believe that I somehow mastered this art of satisfying the needs of the seller, myself, local laws, judges, lawyers and others who happen to read or challenge my offers.It has always been my belief that a well written contract of sale is akin to a creative work of art, a document that if authored with the weighted words that are clear and concise, I have found it to be an effective tool to contract approval and assignment acceptance.I would like to give you some ideas on how to do that, but in this public forum, I fear the misuse of this information and a potential liability of those attempting to duplicate this system.