Finding someone to do a pre-buy is getting harder and harder, but be patient and find someone. You might have better luck with an independent mechanic than a shop, but I've had success with both. It just takes a lot of phone calls. Knowing that the current A&P has a good reputation is great, and that you're buying a plane from a friend is also good, but nonetheless trust AND verify. There are also some guys who specialize in traveling anywhere needed to do a pre-buy. You'll obviously spend a lot more than if you can find someone local. One that seems to have a good reputation and I haven't heard anything bad about is Owen Poirier.
If you end up needing a ferry pilot reach out, I've bought and ferried 2 152s cross-country this year.
