The Director of the Department of Revenue shall appoint subject to the provisions of the Merit System such agents as may be necessary to look after, protect against trespassers and rent any real estate bid in by the state at tax sales. Such agents under the direction of the Department of Revenue shall investigate sales of real estate for taxes bid in by the state, notify the parties at interest in such real estate or sales, secure redemption, sales or property, prevent waste and perform any and all duties relating to lands bid in by the state at tax sales as the Department of Revenue may direct.