Vacant/ possibly abandoned house in California

[Jarrod Frankum]

Hello everyone.  I have come across a house in Irvine, California that has been vacant for the last 7 years.   The elderly owner who lived there passed away and her children have just been paying property taxes on it.  Nothing has been touched or moved out from the house in the last 7 years.  I would love to pursue acquiring this house but I know nothing about California law etc. I am looking into getting in touch with the family to see about seeing if they are willing to sell it.  This would be my first deal, and I think it would be an excellent chance at a wholesale.  

I would really appreciate some direction on the next steps in getting this property under contract.   I realize that this could very well not turn out to anything but I want to go for it. I have been studying primarily on rental investing but I don't want to pass up this opportunity. Is there anyone much more experienced in this that could chime in and help direct me? 

Thank you all very much in advance.  Lets do this together! Looking forward to joining you all in this journey. 

[Matt K.]

Propertyradar