Quote from @Lien Vuong: I wouldnt bother unless you want your taxes to increaseThank you all!

The sherriff is supposed to clean close out some to most of the liens during the foreclosure process, but its incumbent on you to check that it happens. 

I think they do an outstanding job as well. 

Reminds me a little of "tax liens''

The lender is given the first lien position on the mortgage or deed of trust (depends on your state), a promissory note is prepared and outlines the specific terms of the loan.  

Also, when you've identified the properties you want, use the citizen access portal (no account needed to use the Search function) to check the 'Enforcement' tab for outstanding issues the city/county has with the property, AND to see what issues have come up in the past.  

Once it writes you a note it does not own the property, it simply holds a 1st lien as any lender would.

Hello all,I’ve been playing in the real estate space since about 2018 and made the transition to notes in late 2019 with my first purchase being a partial on a 1st lien performing residential note.

My clients are landlords or anyone who needs short term liquidity to do a project and can give me first lien on something they own free and clear.

To protect yourself you should have a clause in your purchase agreement regarding liens, violations.