TomIt could be a matter of siblings/owners not getting along.

I quickly looked up some probate laws in California and it looks like the real estate will be divided between the remaining siblings.

My brother and I are on the deed of a duplex we inherited from our parents, and we both live in each unit. The property is owned free and clear and appraised at approximately $150,000 just this year. Several years ago...

So we talk about with few of the siblings and decide that the best thing to do is sell her house and move her out of that bad area she was in.

I ve been able to get a house around 80k and ARV 375k ... or even another scenario purchase  145k  wholesale 289k and buyer sold for 575k ... win win  for all , the seller , need it probate on a sudden dead siblings on other estate and elderly , no time for fixer upper, it was a win win  for all.and the cool thing , having first dips while acquiring the deals , if is juicy enough you can get it for yourself. also develop great relationships with other local investors , ( a great happy community , cos everyone is making money   and also providing solutions to distressed sellers) .   

The sister died 30 years ago, and we only have the siblings names not addresses.

And with heirlooms, all the sibling/family rivalries, claims of favoritism and perceived debt that go along with them.

So I'm lucky enough to have a generous grandmother who scrimped and saved for 88 years and gave me (and all of my cousins and siblings!)

Is she perhaps assuming you or your siblings will step up to the plate and take care of her?

If you have siblings or her assets are distributed to others by a will could be more complicated.