I test drove several locally in NC, and then I found one that had the right colors and options I wanted that was in PA. I was fortunate to have Kevin at the Porsche Specialist in Broomhall PA to do the PPI and he also did the IMS retrofit before I came to pick up the car to drive back to NC. I didn't book my flight until the last second and I got lucky and got a super cheap flight on Delta,
The things that made me comfortable with doing it long distance:
I was familiar with the Boxster enough to know it was the car I wanted.
I was super comfortable with the shop that did the PPI, and the results were very good. The previous owner did not skimp on maintenance and practically everything had already been replaced (AOS, Coolant Tank, Clutch, MAF, Ignition Switch, Front engine mount, etc...). The PO elected not to do the IMS bearing as it was dual row and was in good condition when the clutch was done, but I wanted that done so I went ahead and did it.
The bad: I got stiffed by the seller for $650 - I had already made the bank check and when I won the auction I paid a $500 deposit. We negotiated $150 off the purchase price for some wheel damage that was not disclosed in the auction. i was lazy and didn't want to go through the trouble to make a new bank check. The seller shook my hand and was going to put a check in the mail to me to refund the $150 + the $500 PP deposit, but it has never happened. He keeps saying it will, but it never does. I am not even sure how I could sue for $650 from FL to PA, but I have the paperwork to back it up, but it would probably cost me more than $650 to do it. Lesson learned
