Properties in deceased person's name
Hello everyone,
I'm just getting started with wholesaling homes. My husband and I went "driving for dollars," and we identified several homes within a 2 block radius that we could start reaching out to their owners about selling. While doing some research on these properties, I discovered that there were 3 houses that were listed under a person's name who is now deceased. I haven't been able to dig really deep to see if there are any next of kin, but I'm assuming that's where I need to start. I know that these properties continue to collect liens from the city for different infractions (needs cleaning, boards on windows, etc.). I have a few questions.
1. Where's the best place to find out if these properties should be passed on to next of kin?
2. Since these properties continue to collect liens, do I contact the city to see if these liens can be waived or part of them waived if there is no next of kin?
3. Who else should I be contacting to see if we can obtain these properties if there is no next of kin? And if there is a next of kin, what questions should I be asking if we're still interested in obtaining these properties?
Like I said, I'm a newbie in this area and just need to know what cans of worms I could be opening up.
Thanks in advance for your advice and time!
Lauren