How to get deed title to house

[Kevin Brandon]

Hello. This is my 1st week wholesaling and I have a lead. His great grandfather passed away and left him the house . He wants to sell for 12k. I want to wholesale for 20k. The problem is he can’t find the deed to the house . How do I go about solving this problem? He is 25 and he doesn’t know how to get the deed neither do I . Also after I get the home under contract what are my next step? How to I ensure I get paid once I assign the contract . I keep hearing escrow. Can any one answer these questions please.