Deceased land owner (no relation) unpaid taxes

[Michelle Cooper]

I came across a half acre of property in my little town tonight and it shows the land owners name then has (Deceased) next to it. The taxes on the property have not been paid since 2015. I plan on calling the tax office Monday morning but figured I could ask here while I wait. 
Is there any way I can buy the property? I know paying back taxes doesnt make claim to the property. But I wanted to see if I could purchase it before it went to a tax sale where I have no chance of buying it. Any suggestions? 
Thank you

[Rick H.]

Let’s start with the basics: 

What the property’s value be if you already owned it? What would you do with it? What would someone else do with it? 
What would someone else pay you for it (estimate low / high)?

Since deceased people don’t transfer property, it will be necessary to either hope (?) to outbid others at a tax sale auction OR effect a different strategy to pass title.
Probate laws vary significantly by state. Did you post what state?
Buying heirs’ interest via assignment or similar method may be possible, if you’re skilled at locating people and persuading them to sell to you. 
There is also the distinct possibility that the decedent has unsecured debts or claims that offset or reduce the amount you would receive if probate were you choice. I’ve been in involved in over 2,000+ Calif probates since 1978 and know this to be possible from both sides! 

Personally, I think that there could be a lot of work involved in order to end up with an asset that produces no cash flow now. So, if the pieces don’t fit together easily you might look for someone who works these type opportunities in your state and trade something more useful to you now.