Ocala Tax Auction Win: From 40% Under Market to a Quick Flip

[Andres Montbrun]

Investment Info:

Other buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $15,000
Cash invested: $2,200
Sale price: $32,000

Picked up a vacant lot in Ocala, Florida at a steep discount (roughly 40% under market) thanks to direct negotiations and thorough due diligence. Cleaned the title, set up basic infrastructure details (like ensuring easy water/power access), and flipped it for a sizeable ROI—all within a short timeframe. The key was solid market research, proactive title work, and a well-timed exit strategy catering to local buyer demand.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

I love spotting undervalued land in emerging markets. Ocala stood out because of strong economic growth and a rising demand for buildable lots.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I found the property listed on a tax auction platform, identified that it was undervalued, and secured it at roughly 40% below market. I leveraged a fast close and minimal red tape to stand out among other bidders.

How did you finance this deal?

Mostly personal funds—no complex financing. This kept closing costs low and speeded up the process, which is crucial in an auction scenario.

How did you add value to the deal?

First, I cleared minor title issues (common with tax auctions), then confirmed access to essential utilities so future owners could build quickly. Updated photos and marketing details also helped.

What was the outcome?

Sold it a few months later for a healthy profit. The straightforward improvements—title clearing and rebranding the lot as “build-ready”—made it attractive to local builders.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Lesson: Always factor in potential legal or lien complications with tax auction properties.
Challenge: Navigating the county’s title process; and building relationships with local title professionals was key.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

A local title company in Ocala that specializes in tax auction properties saved me a ton of hassle—definitely recommend finding a local expert if you go the auction route.