Delinquent Taxes and Vacant Land

[Eric Fox]

Hello all,

I am interested in acquiring some vacant land parcels in my area (Phoenix, AZ) and wanted to do it by going directly to the the property owners who were behind on their taxes (through the Maricopa County website). Trying to find the ones who want to unload their land and I would pay the taxes and compensate them for their asset. Getting in touch with these people via direct mail, door knocking or phone calls, etc. I do have MLS access as well but the county website does provide plenty of information.

Is this a viable method to acquire vacant land? If so, who is actively doing it? Anyone in my local area? I would love to treat you to some coffee and pick your brain.

Thanks!

[David Krulac]

@George P.

Based on your recommendation I just bought the book. I've bought hundreds of land parcels, farmland, woodland, etc., but I'm always interested in learning more.

@Eric Fox

There are so many cautions to buying land, more so that with houses. There are new cautions every year. Timely is the new flood insurance higher premiums just now going into effect. Higher expenses including flood insurance will decrease the value of property so affected.

Other issues include:

zoning

endangered species

historic significance

steep slope

wetlands

streams

flood zone

soil composition

availability of public utilities or on site

road frontage

access

encroachments

easements

squatters

taxes

encumbrances

etc., etc. , etc.