This is one of those times where you would need to get a good real estate attorney. Ask him to do a quiet title action - those take quite a while (a year is typical).

Chat with him about your risks in taking over a property emcumbered with a lien.  There are risks.

The quit claim deed is the very weakest form of deed you can get - in essence it is the opposite of a warranty deed.

Good luck with this. Don't do it without speaking to a very good real estate attorney. Bring him all the info so he can advise accordingly.