Step 1:  Organise a LLC - this is equivalent to a Business Registration here.

Many unwanted or tax sale properties in Indianapolis which do notdraw a bid end up in the surplus sale.

I agree with everyone that says she needs to go.And she does.You will regret every minute if you decide otherwise.Start the New Year out right and give her notice so she can celebrate, she can get a renovated unit somewhere else. and you'll have months of clean up from dog urine, replacing sub floors and ozone treatments. let alone dumpster worth of unwanted trash. 

If that is the case I would advise you simply purchase and move it yourself and steer well clear of any non profit organisations as they generally have pie in the sky expectations with no actual end use in site. 

Another solution is to drop your offer price, because either the price is to high or the property is in an unwanted section for your buyers (having more buyers solves this).

I've been doing direct mail campaigns and I'm trying to get more organised to be able to have great data to look at.

3) would getting the city (goose creek, sc) to approve permits on the foundation work open us up to unwanted scrutiny regarding the updates to the porch?

You must be organised and be able to state the facts without mistakes or hesitation.

or throw away, unwanted vacation plots for $25. do these magical unicorns REALLY exist or are they just guru lies.... ( PS: I probably already know the answer...

Let us know if you end up organising something.