So it seems you are looking to pick up a project car, cheap. They can be found. Prices will be all over the map on such cars, because you will find owners who are tired of trying to get it fixed, tired of looking at a non-running car, and "just want it gone"; they will take your low-ball offer. Then you'll find other owners who know there is still value in the car and are holding out for more than you want to pay.

Just keep looking at Craigslist (I use SearchTempest to search CL around whole country) and you will get an idea of prices.