Many people think of buying foreclosure properties as an old house that needs to be fixed up overall. Try to understand that foreclosure means the homeowner cannot make the mortgage payments, resulting to the lender taking the property. That is why the government puts a tax lien on the property. You can purchase the foreclosed properties at an auction. However, it is strongly advised to wait until the bank places the foreclosure back on the real estate market.
There are percentages of the interests to be earned set for every state. The interest determines the average return of investment on the tax lien certificates. Tax deeds with a right of redemption also have its rates of return listed. You can find this information in many websites including your local county office.