She didn't buy the ranch here, Howard Marshall gave it to her. I saw on ET where she pretended she had earned the money for it - but it was a gift from Marshall.
That took me several hours to ascertain, as well. It was given, taken away by Pierce, given again, so on and so forth.
Interesting, thanks... Did you see the video link I posted earlier with Anna and the old many Marshall? It was in 1992 and he specifically stated what he wanted her to have.