Tax Lien House Auctions

[Joe Farrance]

Hello 

Recently I came across a house auction for tax liens, Does anyone know how this works in New York State? 

Can you stop by the house and offer to pay the back taxes on the property and then take ownership?

Can you legally purchase the property for back taxes before it goes to auction and then rent the property to those who are still living thier?

Thanks for the help

Joe