270.17 Foreclosure of mortgage for balance of purchase price on state lands.—The state, or any agency of the state in which was vested the primary title to said land or other property, may in case of nonpayment of the full purchase price upon said lands or other property sold by the state or its agency and subject to mortgage or other instrument of indebtedness held by the state or its agency, foreclose upon said mortgage or mortgages or other instrument of indebtedness, and recover said lands or other property subject to the liens for any taxes imposed upon said lands or other property; and upon the completion of said foreclosure and reinvestment of title to such lands or other property in the state or its agency, the state or its agency may pay all unpaid taxes or special assessments, not including interest, penalties, and costs, upon said lands and other property, which were legally assessable and collectible as if held and owned by the state or its agency.