First off, where is Onalaska? A wonderful thing this Google Maps!

Hook up with a mortgage lender. Your bank or credit union is a good place to start. Give them your information and see what you will likely qualify for by way of a mortgage. The first time homebuyer's tax incentive is out there and there are special loans for first timers.

Depending upon your family situation and the market in your area, you may want to look for a condominium or a starter home that is easily affordable on your salary and yet allows you to build equity and get a taste of home-ownership and its responsibilities. Not everyone likes those responsibilities.

If you really want to go the tax sales route, start here and ask questions: http://www.co.polk.tx.us/ips/cms/countyoffices/taxAssessorCo…

Becca...

Same as I said here....

http://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/How_do_I_know_if_I_…

Dunes