Last Updated on August 25, 2025
When people talk about “secret tricks” for starting a tax lien or tax deed business, they often hide the real advice behind paywalls or vague promises. In the Tax Lien School video, coaches Cory and Josh share real ideas that you can actually use. They say that being successful comes down to four main things. First, it’s all about using your time and money wisely. Second, being open to using tech tools can really help. Third, building a good team is key. Last, finding mentors to help guide you can make a big difference. Below, I’ll explain these tips in detail and answer common questions you might have..
Table of contents
1. Use your time and resources wisely
A lot of beginners have either plenty of free time but not much money or the other way around. Cory and Josh point out that you should choose a strategy that fits your own situation. It’s important to think about what you have and what you want to do.
- If you’re just starting out and have limited money, it’s best to take small steps. If you only have a few thousand dollars, try to find places that aren’t super popular or competitive. Look for vacant lots or cheap land where your bids can stand a good chance. When you make money, put it back into your next investment. This helps you save up for bigger projects later.
- Before buying any property, do your homework. Some properties might not be worth what you think. Check the property’s value, legal details, and its condition. It’s smart to pick properties where the amount of the lien isn’t too high compared to the market value.
- Don’t forget to set aside time for managing paperwork. When you invest in liens, you act like a tax collector. This means you’ll need to keep an eye on deadlines, send out notices, and even handle foreclosures if needed. These lien certificates can expire, so make sure to use them before they run out.
2. Embrace technology
Digital tools can help you get things done faster and make your work more accurate. They save you time and effort, which is really great. Instead of doing everything by hand, you can use apps and programs to make your tasks easier.
- Collaborate via messaging apps. Cory and Josh have WhatsApp groups that help them share addresses, photos, and notes while checking out properties. Since WhatsApp has a search feature, they can easily find all the information they need about a property they’ve talked about before..
- Use property‑valuation apps. You can use tools like Home Snap or county GIS systems to check out recent home sales, rentals, and how long houses have been on the market. This info helps you guess how much a house will be worth after fixing it up. It also helps you not to pay too much when buying a home.
- Plan routes efficiently. Apps like Route4Me map the most efficient way to drive multiple properties, saving fuel and time.
- Inspect remotely. Drones and tools like Google Street View help you check roofs and see how properties look without having to go outside. This is super helpful in cities where parking can be tough and getting to places isn’t easy. You can get a good look at things right from your home.
3. Build a team—even if you’re a beginner
Real‑estate investing is not a solo sport. Cory and Josh outline three core roles:
- Operations manager (you). This person sets strategy, keeps track of deadlines and ensures tasks get done.
- Rehab supervisor. They help find different workers to get price quotes and keep an eye on repairs. Sometimes, workers don’t show up or do a good job. Having someone focused on this task can save time, money, and a lot of stress..
- Acquisitions and sales specialist. They help with buying and selling homes. They look for information about properties and promote them to potential buyers or renters. They also help with the final steps of a deal, like signing papers or moving in tenants.
If your budget is tight, ask friends or other investors to help with each project. Sharing the work with one other person can really help you avoid feeling too tired. Plus, it’s safer to do field work with a buddy, especially in new areas.
Having a good group of friends and connections is also really important. It can help you find new chances and get support when you need it. Surrounding yourself with people who have different skills than you can help you move forward faster
4. Seek mentoring and stay in community
The best investors think they can keep getting better. Cory and Josh say it’s smart to join real estate groups. They also suggest going to auctions and finding someone who can guide you. A good mentor can help you dodge mistakes and keep you on track with learning.
Investopedia says if you feel lost about tax lien investing, teaming up with someone who knows a lot can help. Don’t think you have all the answers. Be open to listening to others and new ideas.
Frequently Ask Questions
No. Many apps are free or low‑cost. Start with free versions of messaging, mapping and property‑valuation tools before investing in premium services.
No. Technology supplements your field work. You still need to visit properties or hire someone locally to confirm conditions and take photos
Start by partnering with like‑minded investors you meet at real‑estate clubs. Offer to buy lunch or pay a small fee for help with driving routes or data entry. Over time you can scale up.
Join local meetups or online communities where people share your goals. Positive peer support is crucial.
Attend REI club meetings, join Facebook groups or enroll in training programs. Many seasoned investors enjoy sharing their knowledge
Education helps you understand laws, redemption periods and bidding strategies. It reduces costly errors and speeds up your path to profitability
Final thoughts
Rather than vague “tricks,” tax lien and tax deed investing requires matching your strategy to your budget and schedule, harnessing technology, working with a team and joining a community of learners. Start small, research properties thoroughly, use digital tools to save time, partner with others for safety and efficiency and never stop learning. Doing so will put you on the path to real, sustainable success in this niche of real estate investing.
PS: Number 3 is definitely my favourite, and something I’ve realized is KEY to making this business work…If you’re interested in learning more about Tax Liens & Deeds, and how we buy property for 40-70% off Market Value, then grab your free Beginners Guide to Tax Lien & Deed Investing by click right here! It’s Free!
