I decided last week that I wanted financial freedom and started my path on the road that is RE.

The lien doesn't provide any equitable interest, though it does provide a path to foreclosure, which will (obviously) give an equitable interest in the property once completed.If the bidder lets the lien expire without foreclosing, any money spent on the property during the period is a sunk cost (i.e., it's lost). 

But I feel committed to doing this and enabling my future using this path.

Fairly simple and straight forward.  

All I know at this point is that real estate investing makes the most sense to me when I look at a path to financial freedom.

It seems like you are on the right path in terms of ideas.

HUD, Fannie Mae, Freddie, etc.I just recently completed a Fannie Mae "Home Path" property and there was no option for a broker to "forfeit" their commission.

Sometimes the hardest decision is figuring out the best investment path; rehab to flip, rehab to rental, or @Brandon Turner method of Brrr.

But now that I've been on this financial education path for the last three years, I've changed.

So in short, do not focus on HOW you will exactly achieve financial freedom.. because I'm right there on the path with you my man.