Auctions and Deceased Owners

[James Smith]

Hi All!

Two questions:

I tracked down a property owner but they passed away last year, the house is boarded up and winterized by a PM group. They can't give me any owner info and no changes on the recorder of deeds website/office. Is my next point of contact the remaining family listed in the obituary?

I'm seeing more properties in my area going up for auction, how do I find these properties before they get to the auction house?

Thanks in advance!

James