I love this board!
I too had been tracking multiple cars before finding my baby. Rule #1 - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is......
When shopping, especially on a too good to be true, asking whether the car has been hit is one indicator, but when you ask about the Title and guys says 'Salvage Title', no good can come of it. Everything has its price, but it is back to what level of risk you want to assume. If he can't sell it, what are you gonna do with it!
I agree with the 'flakey' comments as well. You know when a car has the right history, it is worth something. Conversely, if it doesn't, stay away.
Peace
JR