Family Friend with Distressed property on Long Island

[Christopher Corso]

I have a family friend in dire straights, her husband died a few years ago and her son and her self have some mental issues, they are no longer working and she collects about 500$ in social security. I'm not sure if she owes on the mortgage or just taxes. But she is worried she is going to lose the house. I'm trying to help her while simultaneously getting my first foray into real estate investing. If she is in foreclosure what are my options?  if it's a tax lien what can I do? 

The house in in reasonable condition but there are a few small things that will need fixing, loose tile and toilet are a start.

I'm working on getting more details . But I hoping I can help her and myself at the same time. I was planning to find an investment property in the next few months, but it seems necessity may have changed that time frame.

-Chris