Are Tax Lien properties really Free & Clear?
I have been under the impression that you can't buy a property through a "sale" of any kind without first making sure that it doesn't have "hidden debts" attached to it. That you must go to the recorder of deeds office and research any liens on the property that you could be responsible for. Is this just Sheriff sales? Are Tax lien sales different, and if they are "Free and Clear" of any liens including the mortgage, wouldn't the mortgage co. make sure they buy the tax lien cert. so that they get paid? The mortgage has got to be tons more of a loss to the mortgage co than just them paying the piddling taxes? Can anyone give me clarity? 
Did you ever get a reply to your question regarding tax liens?
One of the reasons that a tax lein is so secure is that the other (All Junior) leinholders have a vested interest in making sure that you don't get title to the property for just the piddly taxes. It is almost always in their best interest to redeem or pay the lein and the penalties before you take title to the property through foreclosure. Only by satisfying your lein can they make you go away and avoid losing their investment.
Your statement is correct, with very few exceptions, the property will be free and clear, If you get the deed. Chances are more likely that the property owner, or one of the other creditors will pay the lein and penalties before this happens.
Good Luck,
Jeff
I am new, but I am looking to refinance my house. I had a refinace person tell me that if you pay your own taxes, like I do. That the chances of the lien being outstanding for long is not very likely and if your lien should get bought buy someone, the lender come after you the owner. In most cases the home owner goes bankrupt and the lender collects their insurance policy on the property. In most cases the lender will get their money. I think the person out in the cold is the person who owned the property. But hey it is business and that is what makes the world go round, isn't it?