our state does not have tax sale. Mortgage lien still there

Once legal fee kicks in with non-payment, that lien amount could increase a lot I think. 

https://www.corevestfinance.com/risks-of-buying-tax-deed-properties/#:~:text=Potential%20Tax%20Lien%20Investing%20Risks,responsible%20for%20settling%20these%20debts.