Pre-Probate deal in Seattle Washington

[Ryan Kennedy]

Hello friends,

So I was out walking for dollars and noticed a vacant home that actually appears to be in good shape.  I've done some serious research and am trying to see if there's still potential of finding the rightful owner and buying this house.  Here's where I'm at in my search - 

- Taxes are overdue for the past year and a half

- Found the owner's obituary online, turns out they passed away a year and a half ago, ding ding!

- Obituary says the owner is only survived by a sister (appears to live out of state) and nieces and nephews.  

- Can't find any county records showing opening of probate or anything like that, so I'm assuming there was no will or trust for the home to go to.

- I spent $25 on truthfinder.com to find more background on the deceased owner which gave me nothing.  I've spent some time trying to find the surviving sister online but am not having any luck, I'm assuming she is elderly as well so little to no online presence.

- I mailed a hand-written letter to the deceased owner about a week and a half ago.  The mail hasn't been returned so I'm hoping it was forwarded to the sibling.

Does any one have recommendations on how to track down the sibling?  I've read that probate can be rather daunting and time consuming, but I'm actually looking to buy this home and have plenty of time so I'm not ready to give up yet.

Thanks

Ryan