Pretty sure you like me and most people here are not really good at identifying droppings and ingress spots for small rodents.   

If they can't close by the date in the contract and can't identify any extenuating circumstances, ones that were not their fault, you should be all set.

The only way around this that I know of is by using novation agreements I believe because then there is a legal document identifying the transfer of interest.

If you don't have any sort of nest egg, you may want to question this purchase or identify alternative forms of financing so you have a buffer in case things don't go as planned from a cash flow perpsective. 

The basic items would be:The name of resident signing the leaseA brief authorization form to cover the details, type of death, permission to enter, etc.The name of the person authorized to enter and remove personal belongingsThe contact information for the authorized person who may enter and retrieve the personal belongingsIf possible a time frame in writing to identify the length of time to clear the apartment.I.

What should be the next step in identifying the current owner?

Work to identify the specific area or neighborhood you want to be in, contact a agent and start receiving deals on the MLS.

How did you identify your partner?

@Karlo Alamo I would start by identifying your investing strategy.

Using those steps allow you to identify appreciating properties with stable rental income, and value oriented investments.