Ted Thomas does seminars and courses for tax liens. These are liens placed when a homeowner cannot pay their taxes. It’s a high risk, sometimes high reward way of investing and not for the squeamish. I researched Ted Thomas on some real estate course sites and many, many people said his free seminars were 90 percent sales pitches by other people offering courses, and very little information on tax liens except for a $1,500 course he sells, and a $20,000 course.

In a nutshell, tax liens can be a real bargain to buy, but you have to watch out that the person who owns the home doesn’t declare bankruptcy, there’s not other creditors or the IRS with liens that will be paid leaving you with nothing. Also the condition of the property might not make it worth buying. Not all states are tax lien states so you should check that first, and when you buy say, a $14,000 lien, you have to pay in cash, usually on the spot so this is only for people with substantial time and money to invest (as well as take the risk the owner won’t just declare bankruptcy and leave you with a worthless note).

As for the Ted Thomas courses and seminars, I’ve seen too many negative comments from people who claim to have attended the seminars or bought his courses to try it. As far as investments go, I wouldn’t sleep well at night knowing I have several notes with could turn worthless at any time if the property owners declare bankruptcy.