That is pretty much nonsense.
Setting a budget for $27k acquisition price has nothing to do with what the Buyer can afford.
There is no connection between budget and wealth. I know way too many people who will foolishly set budgets beyond what their wealth will support.
The opposite, setting a low budget, should be viewed as good advice.
Again, a $27k 4-seat 182 is a helluva traveling machine for many.
There is no need to put new paint on it.
There is no need to fix a few broken interior plastics.
There is no need to upgrade avionics, panel, and radio.
The 1500 hour engine is a concern, but, so is a 1200 hour, and a 900 hour, and a 600 hour, and a 300 hour, and a 25 hour SMOH engine.
The OP might have good luck with the engine, and maybe replace a $950 cylinder every other year for the next 5 years.
For the right person, depending on goals, this could be a great plane for the next 300-500 hours. That's a lot of flying.