Calling banks on reverse mortgages

[Ken Nyczaj]

Finishing up on my first flip and seeking the elusive second deal, here is the scenario:

Vacant house, father passed away 9 years, and the mother is in a nursing home.

Did some research and found the sons phone number and cold called him. He said he doesn't know what's going to happen to the house, his parents had a reverse mortgage, father passed away, he doesn't speak with his mom and now she's in a nursing home.

He seems to think the bank or retirement facility owns the home... The nursing home doesn't own it, and the tax records say it is still in the parents name.

Has anyone had experience contacting banks about reverse mortgages and asking if they can be bought? Or do I have to wait until she passes and it goes to probate? I don't know the mothers condition in the old person home and am cautious about contacting her directly for ethical reasons.