The fact that the owner is an AP and his friend is an IA should not be relied upon in any way. It means nothing and sometimes means trouble (read conspiracy).
Have a third party AP/IA (unknown by the owner) do a 4 or 5 hour inspection. Check and recheck the airframe, engine and prop logs.
In the end, if it is a go, use AOPA Escrow Service.
That's my two cents.
