Sounds like you have the budget, mechanical help/ability and facilities to make a go of a project. Make the guy an offer, get an independent PPI with some emphasis on the engine rebuild. If it checks out, I say go for it! I spent about 4 months searching the country for mine before finding the right one. I don't have the space and abilities you have though so I wanted a well sorted vehicle and found it. A year later, no surprises. Good luck with your decision
