I don't even look at buses from Ohio or Michigan... Iowa is also bad. Rust rust and more rust.
Check out this MOUNTAIN bus, it would be a GREAT start!
Public Surplus: Auction #1396492
THIS bus is so rad, I put in a bid and was winning but have been outbid already. I'd go higher but I'd have to get it 2000 miles home and I already have a bus... but this one is a cream puff, in my opinion-
Public Surplus: Auction #1398705
Both these buses have high HP, driveline retarders, little or no rust, 4.44 rears, and allison 643 trans...
These are what you need for crossing the Rockies.