uk-netmarketing Archive (2011-2015)

I've taken on a new client who has been penalised by google for buying sketchy back links a year ago, I know this from the warning in webmaster tools. They also have a dupe content penalty according to Raven Tools for not redirecting their a record with a 301. They also have 894 soft 404s. 

Traffic has dropped 75% year on year. 

So, not in a very good position. 

As I see it, my options are 

a) try and remove the back links, then use disavow tool for the ones that refuse to remove the links, then fix the soft 404s, then fix the a record

OR

b) buy a new keyword rich domain and simply start over

In terms of time and effort, I am leaning towards option b) 

But I am totally not an expert in SEO, so I thought I would ask here to see what people think would be the best way forward. 

Thanks

Damian