Locating owner of vacant property in Houston

[Tristan S.]

Hey guys,

I found two vacant properties here in Houston. I am trying to locate who is responsible for those properties.
I have two cases, one house where the owner passed away, data on appraisal district website still shows her as the owner. I have searched the clerk county website hoping to find some probate fillings but did not have much luck (maybe not looking the right way). How to locate who is in charge of this property?
The second vacant property has been vacant for more than 5 years, no clue if the owners listed on the appraisal district passed to be honest.

Now the strange part is that the first property had a sticker from "Service Link" which takes care of the lawn and securing the property. The second property is not serviced by Service link but there is definitely people coming and taking care of the lawn. Both properties have been winterized.

Does that mean that both of those properties are bank owned even if I could not find any trace of foreclosure paperwork?

Anyway, I talked to the neighbors (that's how I got most of this info), called service link, called the HOA. Sort of hitting a brick wall at this point as some parties are not allowed to reveal owner's information due to privacy policies. What shall I do ?

Thanks for helping me out!

@Cameron Tope any idea?