Can't find owner of property. Neighbors say deceased? Texas

[DG H.]

I've been watching a property since December 2015. I've mailed three times, door knocked and talked to the neighbor. The neighbor says the person is deceased. I've googled Texas Deaths and Obituaries. I can't find anything. I tried calling the county and they won't give out the information. I thought it was public record. So...how do you find out?

[Rick H.]

Ask neighbors when they believe owner died. It might be a freshie.

If really recent, it may not have circulated through bureau of vital statistics or TX equivalent yet.

I really don't consider searching Google as an exhaustive search. Someone has to post something in order for search bots to scrape.

Begin by first determining there is sufficient equity in the property to merit the sleuthing.

You then need to resolve if owner is more likely to be alive but missing, or truly deceased.

Use skip trace software or service to research record owner. Also, search for other persons who have lived in the property as they may be related or complete your investigation for you.