In Marion County, you don’t buy the house. You buy the debt . You pay the back taxes. In return, you get a tax lien certificate. If the owner doesn’t pay you back with 15% interest within one year, you can foreclose and take the deed.

The screen refreshed. A corporation called “Hoosier REI Group 3” had outbid her by $200. Then another flipper from Carmel. The price climbed to $7,200. Then $9,500. Martha watched her future evaporate.

“Going once…” the automated voice chirped.

She clicked.