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Strategy11 min

How to Invest in Out-of-State Tax Deed Properties

Can't attend auctions in person? Learn how remote investors successfully bid on and profit from tax deed properties across the country.

The Landeur Team

Investment Analysis

•
January 5, 2025

How to Invest in Out-of-State Tax Deed Properties


One of the most common questions we get: "Can I invest in tax deed properties if I don't live near the auction?"


The answer: Absolutely. In fact, 40% of The Landeur's users are out-of-state investors. But success requires a different approach than local investing.


Why Out-of-State Investing Works


Less Competition

Local investors dominate small-county auctions. By expanding your geography, you access markets with fewer sophisticated bidders.


Scalability

Instead of being limited to your county's 20 annual auctions, you can bid on 200+ properties across multiple states.


Better Deals

Less competition = lower winning bids. We've seen 15-30% better ROI in secondary markets vs. major metro areas.


Challenges of Remote Investing


1. Property Inspection

You can't easily "drive by" a property in another state.


Solutions:

  • Hire local property scouts ($50-150/property)
  • Use detailed Google Street View + aerial imagery
  • Request photos from county officials or neighbors
  • Partner with local real estate agents

  • 2. Auction Attendance

    Many counties require in-person bidding (though online auctions are growing).


    Solutions:

  • Hire a proxy bidder ($200-500/auction)
  • Use online auction platforms (Bid4Assets, Auction.com)
  • Attend major auctions via travel (amortize cost across multiple bids)

  • 3. Local Market Knowledge

    You don't know which neighborhoods are improving vs. declining.


    Solutions:

  • Use The Landeur's market trend analysis
  • Study MLS data and recent comparable sales
  • Join local real estate investor Facebook groups
  • Consult with property managers in the area

  • 4. Property Management

    You can't manage the property day-to-day.


    Solutions:

  • Hire a property manager (8-12% of monthly rent)
  • Flip properties quickly to avoid management
  • Use turnkey contractors for renovations

  • The Landeur's Out-of-State Advantage


    Our platform is specifically designed for remote investors:


    Automated Property Analysis

    Instead of researching each property manually for hours, our system provides:

  • Comparable sales analysis
  • Neighborhood trend data
  • Flood zone risk assessment
  • Historical auction competition levels
  • Estimated repair costs

  • Nationwide Coverage

    We track tax deed auctions across all 50 states, updated daily.


    Risk Scoring

    Every property gets a 0-100 investment score based on 9 factors. Focus on properties scoring 70+ for lower-risk remote investments.


    Step-by-Step: Your First Out-of-State Deal


    Phase 1: Choose Your Markets (Week 1)

  • Identify 3-5 target states based on your criteria:
  • - No/short redemption periods

    - Strong rental markets

    - Property taxes under 2%

    - Growing populations


    Recommended States for Beginners:

  • Florida (no redemption, strong rental demand)
  • Georgia (fast process, diverse markets)
  • Arizona (affordable, growing population)

  • Phase 2: Build Your Team (Weeks 2-3)

    Essential team members:

  • **Title Company**: Verify they handle tax deed transfers
  • **Real Estate Attorney**: Familiar with state laws
  • **Property Inspector**: Local contractors or inspectors
  • **Property Manager**: For rentals (if applicable)
  • **Proxy Bidder**: If auctions are in-person

  • Phase 3: Analyze Properties (Weeks 4-6)

  • Use The Landeur to identify high-scoring properties
  • Order title reports on top 5-10 candidates
  • Get inspection reports on top 3 finalists
  • Set your max bid based on data (not emotions)

  • Phase 4: Auction & Acquisition (Week 7)

  • Register with the county (online or via proxy)
  • Prepare proof of funds (cashier's check, wire, etc.)
  • Bid conservatively—stick to your max bid
  • Win 1-2 properties (not every auction)

  • Phase 5: Post-Auction Execution (Weeks 8-12)

  • Receive tax deed and record with county
  • Order final title insurance
  • Complete any repairs or renovations
  • List for rent or sale
  • Close and collect your ROI

  • Case Study: Sarah's Florida Success


    Background: Sarah lives in California but invests in Florida tax deed properties.


    Strategy:

  • Uses The Landeur to identify properties scoring 75+
  • Hires a local inspector in Florida ($100/property)
  • Bids via Florida's online auction system (no travel)
  • Partners with a Tampa property manager for rentals

  • Results (Year 1):

  • Properties Won: 4
  • Average Purchase Price: $45,000
  • Average After-Repair Value: $95,000
  • Total Invested: $220,000 (including rehabs)
  • Total Portfolio Value: $380,000
  • **ROI: 73% in 12 months**

  • Sarah's secret: She doesn't chase every deal. She waits for high-scoring properties in her target ZIP codes and bids conservatively.


    Online Auction Platforms


    Many counties now offer online bidding, making remote investing easier:


  • **Bid4Assets**: 1,000+ jurisdictions, mostly East Coast
  • **Auction.com**: Nationwide foreclosures + some tax deeds
  • **RealAuction**: California-focused
  • **GovEase**: Florida county auctions

  • Pros:

  • Bid from anywhere
  • Extended bidding windows (vs. fast in-person auctions)
  • Detailed property information provided

  • Cons:

  • Higher competition (more accessible)
  • Platform fees (5-10% buyer's premium)
  • Less opportunity for pre-auction research

  • Common Mistakes Remote Investors Make


    Mistake #1: Skipping Property Inspection

    "I can see it on Google Street View" is not due diligence. Hire a local.


    Mistake #2: Ignoring Local Regulations

    Each county has unique rules. Florida's process differs dramatically from Texas.


    Mistake #3: Overleveraging

    Remote investing has higher risk. Don't invest your last dollar.


    Mistake #4: No Exit Strategy

    Define your exit before bidding: Flip, rent, or wholesale?


    Mistake #5: Underestimating Holding Costs

    Property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance add up while you're renovating or marketing.


    The Landeur's Remote Investor Toolkit


    Professional & Enterprise Plans Include:

  • Nationwide auction calendar
  • Weekly curated property lists (tailored to your criteria)
  • Advanced filtering (focus on your target markets)
  • Comparable sales data for any address
  • Risk analysis with flood, fire, and climate data

  • Conclusion


    Out-of-state tax deed investing is entirely viable—but it requires a systematic, data-driven approach. You can't rely on "local knowledge" or gut feelings.


    Instead, you need:

    1. Rigorous analysis (The Landeur provides this)

    2. A reliable local team

    3. Conservative bidding strategies

    4. Clear exit strategies


    The best remote investors treat this like a business, not a hobby. They analyze 50 properties to bid on 5. They win 1-2 deals and generate 30-50% ROI.


    Ready to invest beyond your backyard? [Start analyzing properties nationwide](https://thelandeur.com/properties) with The Landeur.


    Tags:out-of-state investingremote investingtax deed strategynationwide

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