If the record owner is deceased, absent a secured creditor gaining title via foreclosure, you'll need to find someone with standing to legally be able to pass marketable title to you.Determine PETIO:PropertyEquityTitleInterestsOpportunity.Check death certificate, obits, neighbors for leads re: relatives, social media, and obviously name search the decedent online. 

Best to consult an accountant with cross border real estate and business expertise to get a full understanding of how you should hold (own) any Canadian properties to best fit your situation and mitigate tax liabilities.DispositionAs a non-resident, when you sell a property, you must notify the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) pretty much immediately (something like 7-10 days if memory serves) to obtain a certificate of compliance.  

When you purchase the lien you are sent a certificate from that county.  

They may be distant relatives, but you owner wasn't hatched from an egg.Once you review obits, death certificate, interview neighbors and social media, use skip trace skills to find your targets.

There are five different certifications in Hardware and networking courses such as: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert and the Architect level.

Secondly, I've been looking into a certification/designation.

In 1998 I did a deal that played out like so:1- I had my agent find me a property in a so-so neighborhood for 32K.2- I offered 18K with $50 down; It was accepted.3- I asked the seller for the zoning certification and proof of title (I knew that my end buyer would request the same from me).4- My contract with the original seller stated that I would pay the balance in 30 days.5- I found a cash buyer in 12 days. 

what is the purpose of a 'proof of funds' letter, when is it asked for and under what conditions is it issued?

@Sharon MihalyakAll tax lien has a shelf lien, meaning after certain time as specified by the state statue, If you do not foreclose on the lien. the certificate will be void & have no enforcement value. 

I do not know the laws in your state, however in my state (CA) you'd have to go by Brother's date of death property value and determine if a summary probate is sufficient or if a full, probate estate was necessary.Your friend will need death certificates for all as well as recorded deeds and take to a qyalified real estate attorney.