Friend died, no will, no family....How do I get the house

[Robert Starnes]

Friend died back in 2019, he had a paid off SFR in Gwinnett County, Georgia north of Atlanta.

I have paid 2 years of back taxes over $6000 and another bill is coming due.

Friend had no close family. I contacted what family he had left and made a deal to lease purchase property for a modest amount and put money down on top of paying the back due property taxes.

I can't find any attorney's that seem to be interested in helping me navigate a pathway to getting title to the property or even letting me pay for a title search since I am not using them to "Close" on a home.

County government has been no help, they either won't return any calls or tell me they can't dispense legal advice when I ask them how to proceed. Surely this is not that uncommon of a situation?

Has anyone dealt with this type of situation? I am starting to think I need to petition probate court to settle the estate since no one else will do it and I have paid the property taxes?

Thanks for any help you may have.

                   -Robert