There are some LQS that will rent LA machines. If you can find one in your area and have a top that you don't mind practicing on, I would try that first. You can't know all the tension problems and different things that arise when LAing. I have a Gammill and love it when she is working great, hate her when she has a stubborn streak and I have to mess with the tension. If you make lots of quilts and have to pay someone to quilt them, it will benefit you to have a LA.