Empty Home Strategies Needed

[Bill Manassero]

My brother has an empty home across the street that we both would like to buy.  It has been unoccupied at least 2 years.  Here are the facts:

• My brother knows the owner who occasionally visits the house.  
• Lawn and plants are overgrown and looks unkept.
• He is divorced (house may be in both names).
• The owner is nearly in foreclosure.
• May be unpaid taxes.
• When my brother asks him if he wants to sell he says, "not interested."

Has anyone out there encountered similar situations?  If so, what approach strategies would you recommend?

Thanks.