Welcome :thumbs:
My opinion from hours of reading is to not touch the IMS bearing unless it is about to or has failed. It is one of those things you need to factor into the cost of a 996 when you buy one. Hartech have been rebuilding 996 engines since just after they were first sold and have a lot of data and knowledge on their website. At some point IT WILL require an engine rebuild, on some cars that will be later on in mileage / years and some cars it could be earlier on. You need to either set aside a fund for when that time comes or just factor it into your decision process on purchasing.
You mention making an offer based on paint work not being up to snuff but more important is the mechanical condition of the car. Minor bodywork and localised paint repairs aren't going to cost anywhere near as much as dropping the engine to do surgery.
Also comparing the mileage of a 911 to a transit van just doesn't compute
these engines whilst they are reasonably strong need maintenance and things will start to wear at higher mileages.
I guess it depends what you are after at the end of the day - for example
1. Cheap disposable sports car for weekend fun (and not too worried if the worst should happen)
2. Reliable everyday transport
3. Garage queen
Also as others have pointed out you can save $$$ if you are able to do any spannering yourself.
Recommended to get a PPI whatever you do, £200-£300 is the going rate and at that price why wouldn't you if you are spending £10k?
I bought my 996 in October and the PPI showed up a few minor things that enabled me to negotiate on the price with the seller. I'd also recommend getting the PPI done by a mech that sees them day in and day out as they will know all the peculiarites of the model.
Whereabouts are you based? are you looking country wide?