I would do both
The deuce I have now, I bought from GL. I won the auction in early July 2010, they didnt let me come get it till end of Sept that year, and I had been cleared for EUC on a M105 trailer the year before. Seems the possible hold up at that time was the maybe radioactive gauges. I put 8 new tires on it, two new batteries, changed all fluids and filters, repainted it, etc. I bought my first deuce from a private owner and that worked out well. If I were you, for your first one, I would lean towards going with one from a private owner that has already dealt with a lot of the truck's issues if it had any. Just my two cents since you are asking. I would still by from GL in the future too.