A house in my neighborhood has been vacant for almost two years?

A house in my neighborhood has been vacant for almost two years?
Added (1). and I was interested in it as possible investment. I did a tax search and learned the owner had died in 2013, (that was last time property taxes were paid on it.) A mortgage company was listed as well; when i called them they told me mortgage had been paid off. The mortgage company stated the property would be sold at auction but that means another year at least.
Are there any other avenues in purchasing the home and who would i contact?
I live in kansas city, mo

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