I have no idea who I should reach out to for help, and I just do not understand how this person no longer responds to emails or returns phone calls.I hope someone can provide some guidance. 

I found the son on Facebook and sent a quick intro giving my condolences, expressed my interest in purchasing the property, and provided my phone # in case he decides to follow up.I'm in the process of preapproval with a couple lenders, and have reached out to a couple realtors in my area to see which may be a good fit.

Wise lenders have borrowers sign legal agreements and have them provide collateral that is worth more than the amount of the loan in case the borrower doesn't make the promised payments on the loan.

In fact, for tax sales in PA, the parcel number check is usually best performed first, to see what mortgages can be found (if any); seeing a big mortgage means it's best to move on to the next property on the list.And on a side note, IRS liens can be wiped out at foreclosure of any kind, provided the IRS lien is in a junior position and provided that proper notice is served upon the IRS. 

Quote from @Stuart Udis: I am always skeptical of these real estate "gurus" and course providers.

Meaning educating and providing resources is complimentary to his own investing. 

M1 has already provided fantastic value for me and I don't plan on backing out.Hey great feedback I am all for it if you get value..

An unencumbered outlook is therefore necessary to provide some comfort in the gnarly world of distressed property.

When you say they were incompetent can you provide more feedback for novice investors. 

All that to say, I'm not sure when they will want to cash in and sell the lot due to the appreciation the subdivision has provided.