Al tax deed, property sold to state 5 years ago for unpaid taxes

[Wayne Johnson]

Good afternoon everyone. I recently sent in payment to get a tax deed on a piece of land with a home. I was first in line and I'm just waiting for Alabama dep of revenue to process payment. The home will need work before it is liveable, and is currently vacant. My first question is this, when can I legally start renovations and move in? If this tax deed does not make me the owner, then how do I become the owner? My second issue is that there is another piece of land attached to it that is owned by a church. It hasn't been used in many years and in fact the walls are caving in and the roof is missing in places. However since it was at one time a church, it is tax exempt and therefore I cannot apply for a tax deed. How do I go about getting this piece of land too? Together both of these properties would equal close to an acre. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated!