Previous owners' tenant died, left lots of personal property

[Corey Reuter]

Hey Bigger Pockets Community - 

I am putting in a cash offer on my third duplex (very exciting) but there is definitely a unique twist. The previous owner rented to an tenant that passed away TWO YEARS ago. The owner never cleaned out the property of personal belongings; when walking through it looks as though that individual just disappeared, nothing has been touched. Luckily there is no stench and there was only a jar of pickles in the fridge. Among other things, there are two cars left on the property that belonged to the deceased. I do not have any knowledge of the owners attempt to outreach to the family, but I assume it was to no avail. I am in Missouri. What are my options? Can I take possession of the cars and resell/donate for tax write-off? Do I have a moral obligation to spend the time tracking down the family? 

Appreciate the responses in advance!

[Andrew B.]

In all likelihood, you are probably safe to throw it all away. If no one came in 2 years, no one is coming. Now, I personally, would never start out a new venture by taking risks like that. Sit with an attorney for 1 hour and ask him what the best way to cover your *** is. Maybe you can post notice or put out an ad in the local paper. I, personally, would want to do something as a show of good faith in case something ever came of it, while fully recognizing its most likely nothing would ever come of it.