Roadblocked Newbie Problems

[Curtis Marant]

Hi All!!

I'm Curtis here in South Carolina. I'm a newbie and this is my first post to BiggerPockets. This will also be my first purchase, so I'm very excited as well! However, I am asking for advice on the situation I have encountered. 

Finally committed to purchasing my first property and there's a small hiccup. The property is an older home that's still deeded to a deceased owner. There are four years of taxes due for the county, four years of tax liens for the city, and it has never been up for tax auction! I recently learned the next of kin (a son who wants nothing to do with the house) donated the deceased to the state & has a record of bad relationships, roommates, and evictions; and for me has been virtually impossible to contact. 

My question is what are my next steps towards acquiring this property and is there a way to transfer ownership without the next of kin's involvement? 

All feedback is helpful. Thanks in advance for your time. 

Curtis M.