[hharney]

Here's my criteria for purchasing

1. Find the aircraft that meets the needs
2. Do a initial inspection (yourself or with someone that may have knowledge of)
3. Obtain the logs, hard copy or digital copy. Study these books and have a good IA that you trust take a look. Be prepared to pay for the service. A lot can be said about the logs.
4. Pre-buy inspection performed by a shop that you trust, not the sellers shop. If you need to find a shop then get a reference. The aircraft may have to be located to a shop.

Be prepared to spend money, especially when you get to step 4. As you go through these steps be prepared to walk away and don't turn back. Do not let emotions sway the truth. It's best to have someone with you at step 2 that can pull you away from a can of worms.

There is a plane out there for you, it may not be listed for sale. You may need to contact owners that have not listed their plane. Can be tedious and investigative work but it will find you the plane you are looking for.

Also, the Skymaster may not really fit your needs. Make sure you are looking for the right airplane that will do what you expect the aircraft to do.

If you don't have time for all this then you may consider an agent / broker