Finally checked out Heritage Auto Trading (Tuscaloosa, AL) after seeing their lot on my commute for months. They keep around 83 vehicles, mostly family SUVs and sedans. They were totally fine with my mechanic doing a once-over, which honestly settles half the trust question.
Lot address: 420 Family Plaza, Tuscaloosa, AL. Visitor parking: Front-lot customer stalls facing the office; overflow on the side street near Tuscaloosa lot gate.
Paper side: licensed with the state (looked it up), about 75% of stock has title in hand per the office, and they offer a 30-day/1,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Overall: good people to deal with. 19 years in business around family SUVs and sedans, doc fee $449 and it's on the window sheet, no games. I'd send a family member there.