Why would you be interviewing at all if the criteria for (2) isn’t met? Unless you’re just trying to get interview practice or keeping them as a safety option.
I wouldn't dismiss an employer out of hand just because I wasn't already familiar with them but I'd be quicker to back out if I saw something that didn't inspire confidence.
Sometimes people just need a job (especially in the US, where jobs are so coupled to health care). I've been in that position, and I'm very glad I'm not now.