This is my first post!

I am looking at buying a Savage on craigslist. But it is not running. The guy said the starter went out and when he put another on it would not work off the switch, but he could still 'hotwire' it across and get it going. He blames the solenoid. Would that cause such an issue?
Or is there another relay I should check?
I have a parts bike, but am so lost on electronic issues.
PLEASE ADVISE

Year  model & miles on it?,.Have a look in the tank for rust, drain the carb bowl & see what comes out, drain it in a glass jar.If its been sitting long,, get that oil changed quick after you get it running,
Its possible the decomp timer has crapped out. but unlikely, most likely the solenoid or dirty switch. A weak battery will spin it over & your swear it otta start,, but it wont,, make sure the vbattery is fully charged.