This feels like the same old story - the desire is for quite a specific, well appointed, useful size machine, in good condition, nearby, some special conditions (i.e. only single phase), "I want to think about it for a while and I want it really cheap." Sure, that opportunity does come along - though very rarely (especially if you are actually looking for it). If you actually want a machine in as reasonable length of time, then something needs to give. The easiest variable is price - you can have a great machine, that is just what you are looking for, in your shop very quickly - they'll even deliver it. Especially on a first real machine, don't waste several years waiting for that perfect opportunity. Buy a decent machine, don't cheap out - and you'll always be able to get the majority of the money back (obviously machines like what you are looking for sell on easily and quickly).
I have landed my share of "smok'n" deals, but they were simply opportunities and I jumped on them. The story after the fact makes it look like there was a plan - makes for great bragging tails. I have been networking machine opportunities for decades. When "iron opportunities" show up, the answer is "sure" - I have space, power, transport and cash. I don't fuss over the brand, the age, cosmetic issues, damage, missing parts or the condition - either I take it for the asking price or I walk and the process takes about 1 minute. For me, it has to be really cheap - but I have a well set shop so I don't care if the deal falls through. When I didn't have any machines, it was different - and I ponied up full price for a decent machine.