There’s an interesting article in the Orlando Sentinel about tax liens: “Whose land? Water can muddy the issue.”

The story focuses on a woman who built a dock between her backyard and a state-owned creek. An investor who purchased part of the land under the dock at a tax deed sale years ago is now saying she must either buy the land (a total of seven acres – far more than she wants or needs, for $50,100) or tear down the dock. She’s fighting.

This raises some key points about investing in tax liens and deeds.

• This is an area of real estate investing that can be lucrative, but you must know what you’re doing and be familiar with the laws of the area in which you’re investing.

• You should operate ethically and with integrity. Certainly protect your rights, but don’t try to extort people even if you can do it legally.

• If you acquire property through tax deeds, pay enough attention so that you know what’s happening on or near it.

• Did I mention know what you’re doing? Get training from qualified instructors. Check out our advanced training on tax liens and deeds.