Here's my opinion on this
If you can work with a broker that you trust he will represent your interests. Use a broker that has been down this road before, has experience and is referred by some on you trust.
Pre-Inspection should be partnered with a knowledgeable aviation expert. Could be your broker, an A&P or someone that knows airplane like your seeking. You need to stay as neutral as you can and be careful not to let your emotions drive the deal. That's where the accountability of another person comes in. They look from the outside in with no interest in the plane. If the initial inspection (not a pre-buy) passes then you dive into Log books. That's where the A&P knowledge takes control. It may be that you have the logs scanned and sent to your A&P that you trust. Once you have researched the logs then if that passes it's time to get serious.
Next would be to agree on a price based on the pre-buy inspection. The broker will know how to set this up. All money's go into an Escrow. A Title search is initiated during the pre-buy. Be ready to walk if any doors close. Don't let your emotions drive the deal. There's a lot of junk out there so it's hard to find the right one. The pre-buy should be done in your control not the sellers. Do not use the shop that the seller uses for maintenance. It may be that you have to bring a A&P in to do the pre-buy or take the airplane to another facility. Make sure the agreed procedure for the inspection and repairs is followed.
Then if the plane passes the pre-buy you sit down and agree on the inspection costs, work done and condition of the plane. When everything is a green light then the money is exchanged and contracts signed.
Don't forget insurance, the only history that the FAA will have is filed STC's (Form 337) which is good to know but should be in the logs too.
Probably have to be logged in for this info on AOPA
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft...ng-an-aircraft