Getting Contact for Off Market Deal?

[Marc DeLuca]

Hi everyone, 

I noticed to side by side properties along my running route a few weeks ago and attempted to learn more about them. I found out that they're both owned by the same person, and purchased back in the 80's. They look distressed and I've never seen a light on or car in the drive way. Anyway, I put some work in online and every phone number I've gotten for the home own is no longer in use and the house it's self is listed as the primary residence. I was wondering if there are any ways to find working contact information for the owner? Also I noticed on the city tax records the property taxes started being paid by a trust a couple years ago, does that mean the owner died? Is there a way to get past this dead end?

Thanks in advance to anyone with advice I greatly appreciate it!

[Marc DeLuca]

@Bob Norton Thanks Bob, those are all great ideas to get started on especially looking through some obituaries to see about confirming my suspicion. I appreciate the advice!