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First, get the FAA CD. It contains a copy of ALL paperwork filed with the FAA regarding that airplane. You can order it online at the FAA web site. I've forgotten exactly where to look, but it's there, you'll have to fish around to find it. Looking at that will show you any major modifications or repairs and its ownership history.

Then, get to know an A&P with an Inspection Authorization real well! Paperwork is the name of the game, and it will take a lot of paperwork to bring it all up to snuff. I would suggest sitting down with your AP/IA along with the FAA CD and discuss a plan of attack for getting it all where it needs to be. A good mechanic will let you do the grunt work and he can do the actual inspections and checking of stuff.

Good luck! Hope it all works out well!