Contacting Owner to Sell and Financing in California

[Amos M.]

Hello fellow BP members.  I'm a newbie to BP in the Bay Area and have been amazed with all the Q&A support from the community.  Very impressive!

Background / Question to the community...owners of SFH had their home caught on fire several years ago. The home has been boarded up with no one living inside. I know of friends whom tried to contact the owner a few years ago to purchase the place but they decline to entertain the idea. There are weeds growing in the backyard that appears the home is abandon. I've checked the property tax dues and their being paid on time. The property tax is about $2000 leaving me to believe they are the original owners and possibly own it clear and free. I've checked on Zillow (not the most accurate site but...) and the property is roughly 1 million.

Any ideas on how to approach the owners to purchase the home?

Any ideas on financing...I'm thinking of possibly seller financing given the owners have not repaired the damages they may not have a ton of money.  

Any other ideas?

Amos