Buying old Mobile Homes - Seeking advice!

[Joey]

Hi,

I am out of space running my business out of a small apartment, and so I am negotiating the purchase of two old mobile homes (both i believe from the 1970's), one to live in and the other to set up as a workshop to house my business.

A local businessman owns several mobile homes just sitting in a field -- they have been there for years -- and a friend explained to me that he had gotten a few from the owner for a few hundred dollars each; that he just wrote down the identification numbers, went to the owner and specified the ones he wanted, got the titles, and then went and got the homes. I did some research today (climbed thru the field with a notepad and pen) and could not find any identification numbers on them other than an MHMA (safety?) number and old state/county license stickers on each one. One of them had a partial plate with the words "MODEL" and "SERIAL" visible with the rest of the plate worn/torn off; on the other I couldn't find any such plate.

Can someone tell me how these homes are uniquely identified? I have located a perfect lot with a good location, and just need to go get the homes and have them delivered and set up to get things rolling.

Also, I would welcome any advice that *anyone* would have. If you've ever said "I wish someone would ask me about (whatever) before they bought a home" -- here is your chance! I'm asking.

Thanks,

Joey Staton
(in eastern South Carolina)

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