Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

NO! If you buy the tax lien for unpaid back taxes you get interest only. If the lien remains unpaid, you can foreclose, but you do not become a rfeplacement owner just by purchasing and paying back taxes. Foreclosure takes time and requires a legal proceeding. In most instances, buying the lien might be a good investment, but it also is risky as the property supports the value and if the property cannot sell, your repayment is at risk.

In many counties, before you can foreclose, you have to track down the owner and offer them an opportunity to redeem. And you do not get 9% interest on a tax lien.