Made the drive to Metro Auto Sales in Owensboro — posting notes since this board runs on receipts. They keep around 45 vehicles, mostly work vans and fleet vehicles. They were totally fine with my mechanic doing a once-over, which honestly settles half the trust question.
Lot address: 1586 Fleet Way, Owensboro, KY. Visitor parking: Front-lot customer stalls facing the office; overflow on the side street near Owensboro lot gate.
Paper side: licensed with the state (looked it up), about 90% of stock has title in hand per the office, and they offer a 6-month powertrain warranty on newer units.
Overall: mixed feelings. Cars looked right but I got two different answers on a title question, and that's my personal tripwire. If you go, get the title status in writing before any deposit.