so im looking at starting a new project vehicle, you will hear all about it when i get it. in the mean time i hope you could help me with some buying advise.

now ive only purchased running vehicles in my life, so i knew what to look for there. but what about vehicles that dont run? most of the project vehicles im looking at dont have a working battery/starter, bad fuel injection parts, etc. what should i look for in these cars to help me from getting a bad vehicle? i know i am going to have to put some money into the vehicle, but i would like to not buy one with an serious problem unknown to me.

so id like some input in these specific areas:

brakes
clutch
transmission (4spd manual)
engine (do i turn the fan to see if its seized?)

i obviously know about checking for common rust spots, etc. i plan on doing the bare minimum to get the vehicle road worthy and then slowly redoing systems like the brakes, fuel injection (or carbs), wiring, etc.

so what are your experiences buying a non operational vehicle? id like to keep this general enough for anyone buying any model vehicle. id also like to avoid being a "tire kicker".