Reply to "Need contact info for new purchase inspection"

Yeah that smells pretty scammy. Maybe not so, but it doesn't feel right. Did you google their email, phone number, etc. I have seen some pretty good scams over the years involving cars, and all of those aspects you mention have been involved. Just be careful. Mention that you want to fly out and see it, and prefer to bring cash and see what happens. Out of curiosity, does she happen to be an oceanographer out at sea for a couple months? That's an old scam, but still may be active.