I'm figuring if I offer near the asking price, I would be in a similar situation (considering I'm only putting 1.5% more down.

The family I am assisting is in a dire financial situation.  

Just a little background on my current situation, I am 24, currently renting, and have 2 boarders whom cover 90% of rent at present, I know they will not be around forever, however I have been debating whether or not to start looking into purchasing my own home first.

Trenching around the property is the preferred mechanism, but in an attached multifamily situation, you would need to trench below the units along the adjoining walls.   

Here's my current situation...we have a home that we lived in for over a decade.

Many that do have more stable situations are largely in the real estate game (to varying degrees).

This is much more advantageous for the seller as they can use eviction to reclaim possession of the property rather than the more cumbersome foreclosure needed in an AITD situation.  

However, I asked her about the distressed property situation in Santa Fe, and because this is not her area of expertise, she was unable to help me.

I need advice on how to handle the situation, especially if you have experience with this in South Carolina.

These projects are scary and stressful but you can turn this place around with some elbow grease and a good marketing plan.