Let's say I was willing to pay up to 2k for a new machine and frame to do my own medium or long arm quilting.

Is it even possible to get one for that? Or am I going to have to continue paying a LAQ

look at Bailey's home quilter and Grace frames

I have no idea what you will have to pay, but I would work on some smaller projects and do my own quilting so that I could save the $ toward my own long arm machine.

Not sure about new, but you might find a used one... I got a 9" Brother and a New Joy frame for $400 from a private seller. You might check with the Wow people - they sell an 18" Singer machine and frame combo for $3800, and occasionally have used trade-ins available. You'll have to call for their pricing.

check out the sweet sixteen, its not a long arm but a machine you sit with but it does all sizes. I've done king and queen sizes and its wonderful

here's a link to Bailey's. i was just at his shop while on vacation. it's a great machine... a stretched janome. his classroom models are $170 less than the new price.
http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/homequilter.html

Thank you all!

Check Ebay, that's how I got mine.

I just invested 2300 for a strait stitch with a king size table and a stitch regulator. Can only do small pantograms around 4 or 5 inches. It cost me 150 to have it deliverd and set up. Will get it on the 29th.
I wanted to deal with a local shop for future service and repairs. The stitch regulator alone was 499.
This way if I ever have the money for a long arm at least I will have the table already.