Locating the original title on a mobile home out of state

Currently we are interested in a mobile home sitting in SC. that was bought at the yearly sales tax auction back in 2023 and the high bidder now has it for sale. He was given a quiet deed we think it's called. We can't buy and sell if desired or needed because the title needs to be de-titled. The home was bought in Albemarle, NC. and never titled in York County SC.
A call was made to NC DMV and they want the VIN number to locate the original title. Like magic they can not locate the title using the original owners full name which we do have. But the original owner is deceased and his wife walked away from the home as a result of the tax auction. 
We have no title to give NC DMV the vin number. The title is what we don't have. Anyone experienced a scenario like this one? Thanks