Lost Title Question in NC, SC

[Mr9Fingers]

I bought a bike from a buddy of mine. He never transferred the title to his name when he purchased it in SC. My wife lost the title before while I was deployed to Afghanistan and now I seemed to be F@#ked. I was told that I would have to have the old title holder request a new title. Problem is...I dont know the name on the title and why the hell would they even do that for me in the second place.

Is there a way I can request a title through alternate means. Abandoned vehicle or something along those line. I know it is not stolen and I know is has not been legally registered and riden for a couple of years. Any help would be appreciated.

Oh yeah I am broke and in the Army so I dont want to pay some company a whole lot of money to do this for me. I live in NC. Cheap and fast is what I need.

Thanks

Vince