My wife bought a 3gs on craigslist without even verifying it worked

The guy told her it just needed to be restored with itunes.

I've tried countless times and cannot get it to restore at all, i've tried DFU mode multiple times, checked the hosts file, tried using older firmware versions... I don't really know what im doing.

I don't know how to get log files, but i get a -1 error code every time "could not restore due to unknown error" after the status bar on the phone fills up.

Im about to ragequit and i just need some help. especially if i can post a log file and have someone look at it.

I also don't have any interest in jailbreaking or unlocking. I just want stock apple software/firmware

2012-02-12 19:50:36.022 [1620:b34]: restore library built Sep 14 2011 at 01:30:0 - Pastebin.com

I looked over the log and noticed multiple spots where it tried to comm with the baseband and failed. So im guessing its a dead chip.

One time i got it to boot to an emergency dial screen, pressed the info button and had a blank IMEI, ect.

Yep, looks like a non-responsive baseband. You can take it to an Apple store and have them repair, but they will likely replace and charge $200 or so to do it... Alternately, I'm to understand you can actually take the phone apart, remove the baseband chip, and buy a replacement -- but it requires fairly specialized electrical engineering tools (small tip for a good soldering iron, solder sucker, tools to unmount and re-mount the chip, etc.) to replace.