For example if you are obtaining a mortgage on a known rental unit with a proven track record, could a lender factor that into the equation, thereby requiring less down?

Sounds like you are right on track there!

Maryland is a good state for tax lien certificate sales because the interest rate is 6% to 24%, but each county and/or municipality handles sales differently, which can make it a pain to track what is going on.VERY IMPORTANT: The redemption period is six months to two years, again because counties and municipalities have different rules.

I track the Green Valley Ranch and parts of Green Valley the closest.

Because many of the properties advertised for sale don't actually get sold, it would be extraordinarily time-intensive to track the sales, either in real-time at the courthouse steps or checking public records after the fact.

I keep track of each winning $bid & the bidding # or name if I know who it is as some buy 10 or more.

I wonder what I should do to follow up on this investment.I am thinking to:1. build a spreadsheet to track timelines for each lien; Timelines for subsequent taxes, redemption period and expiration date.2. create a financial model to track investment return for each lien and/or this investment;3. tour the properties I won liens on some time this year in order to decide next step for holding/dumping strategy.Please suggest anything else I need to pay attention to.Thanks,Emma

On the positive end of the spectrum, it would seem to be a great deterrent against the "habitual complainer" or for cases where the scope of the repair is easy, clearly within the capability of the tenant, and doesn't warrant an overpriced contractor.

the more months going back that show improvement, the better their chances are of staying on track for paying their obligations.

So yes i am wrong for telling him the whole city is a war zone and he is on the right track by asking investors like yourself that are in the area.