How do I get a list of houses in probate

[Fillipe Silvas]

I am interested in this because just a few years ago I was in a situation that involved acquiring a house through probate. I was living with my grandfather until he passed away and left the house to me if I wanted it. At the time I was a little overwhelmed by the situation but I remember just wanting to get out of it. We ended up letting the house foreclose because I was not anywhere near ready nor did anyone else in my family want the responsibility. I look back on this situation now that I am a little older and am quite upset at myself for not taking advantage of the situation but the point is I'm sure there are others out there going through the same process. My question now though is how do I find out where these houses are.  What are the steps that need to be taken to find and contact the families that are in these situations and just want out?