Owner died, no will. Question

[Nick Dunin]

Ok, I think I've come across one of those situations you read about in the real estate books that you think never happen.

My father in law's dad died two years ago. He owned an old 1940s house. County appraises it at 35k, I see comps for sale in the area for 30-55. It needs some work from what I understand. Here's the deal:

When he died he didnt have a will in place so the house is still under the deceased name (it had no mortgage). My father in law (the responsible one in the family) doesnt want to do anything with it. The house is just sitting there empty, back taxes are owed on it. He has no motivation to do anything. The rest of the symblings are either dead or crack heads. So my question is how would I go about buying a house like this?

Im pretty sure I can get this house for cheap.

Owner died. No will. Paid off mortgage.
Owner had 4 kids, two are still living
the 2 kids that died have living kids.

Im in Texas.

I know I will have to eventually get a real estate lawyer to figure out all this just trying to get a preliminary idea of what I can expect.

Thanks.

Nick