Roadblocked Newbie Problems

[Curtis Marant]

Hi All!!

I'm Curtis here in South Carolina. I'm a newbie and this is my first post to BiggerPockets. This will also be my first purchase, so I'm very excited as well! However, I am asking for advice on the situation I have encountered. 

Finally committed to purchasing my first property and there's a small hiccup. The property is an older home that's still deeded to a deceased owner. There are four years of taxes due for the county, four years of tax liens for the city, and it has never been up for tax auction! I recently learned the next of kin (a son who wants nothing to do with the house) donated the deceased to the state & has a record of bad relationships, roommates, and evictions; and for me has been virtually impossible to contact. 

My question is what are my next steps towards acquiring this property and is there a way to transfer ownership without the next of kin's involvement? 

All feedback is helpful. Thanks in advance for your time. 

Curtis M.

[Nicholas Scatton]

If the current heir of the property is impossible to get in contact with, how did you come across this property?

I am confused on the part where it was donated to the state but has 4 years past due taxes. Typically it would go to tax sale and changed hands already. some more info and specifics on that may be needed to help.

While im all for a deal, sometimes if its your first deal, using an agent and finding an mls property, or even a wholesale property is a better avenue for a first time buyer to help navigate through any problems that may come up.