If you’ve been searching for a low-cost way to enter real estate investing, tax lien certificates might be one of the best-kept secrets. These certificates offer everyday investors the chance to earn high returns—often 8%, 12%, or even 18%—all backed by real estate. Best of all, you don’t need perfect credit, a large down payment, or a ton of experience. You just need education, strategy, and the willingness to take action.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down how tax lien certificates work, where to buy tax liens, how to find tax lien certificates for sale, and how to purchase tax lien certificates online. We’ll also connect the dots to tax deeds, OTC (over-the-counter) tax deeds, and educational videos that can help you master the process.

Before you jump in, it’s important to understand where tax lien certificates come from. Counties across the United States rely on property taxes for their budgets. When a property owner fails to pay those taxes, the county issues a tax lien certificate—a document that represents the unpaid taxes plus interest and fees.

To recover that money quickly, counties sell these certificates to investors through:

Many counties still hold in-person auctions. These are public events where investors gather, bid, and purchase tax lien certificates. The county clerk or tax collector hosts the event.

Pros:

Cons:

More counties are now offering online registration, allowing you to buy at the courthouse or request information electronically. Even if they don’t sell certificates online, this is where you get dates, lists, and rules.

Some states use centralized online portals to host auctions. Examples include:

These platforms let beginners explore lists of available liens and practice before bidding.

You can find tax lien certificates for sale in multiple ways, but the key is knowing how the process works so you invest safely.

Counties publish tax sale lists weeks—sometimes months—before the auction. These lists include:

Smart investors pull these lists early, so they have time to research each property.

Not every state sells tax lien certificates, so it’s important to know where they’re available. Major tax lien states include:

Other states focus on tax deeds, which means the county sells the property—not the lien. Understanding the difference helps you avoid confusion.

A smart investor learns both strategies because they often work together.

Today, you can buy tax lien certificates online without leaving your home. Online platforms have transformed this once-confusing industry into something much more beginner-friendly.

While counties use different vendors, the most common are:

These platforms allow you to:

But remember—online auctions also attract more bidders, which can create more competition. That’s why some investors choose to start with OTC tax liens and OTC tax deeds.

OTC (over-the-counter) lists are one of the best places for beginners to start. These are tax liens or tax deeds that did not sell at auction. That means:

Many investors build their entire business buying OTC lists for as little as $50 or $100 per property.

OTC lists are especially valuable in smaller counties where attendance is low.

For many investors, the biggest barrier is fear—fear of losing money, picking the wrong property, or not understanding the rules. That’s why educational videos are such a powerful tool.

Watching videos helps you:

If you’re brand new, start with videos that break down:

These types of tutorials help you build confidence fast.

Whether you’re brand new to real estate or looking for another stream of income, tax lien certificates offer a powerful path to real estate wealth. They’re affordable, beginner-friendly, and available in dozens of states.

By learning where to buy tax lien certificates, how to find tax lien certificates for sale, and how to take advantage of tax lien certificates online, you can start building your investment portfolio even if you’re starting small.

And when you’re ready for hidden opportunities, dive into OTC tax deeds and OTC tax liens—these overlooked deals can turn into big wins.

Combine all this with solid educational videos, and you’ll have more than enough knowledge to start confidently and avoid mistakes.