If you can, going to Houston, esp if you've never been , is well worth it.
I was able to buy a gently used HQ 16 and love it. Then when the Pro-Stitcher came out I bought that on sale. Love that, too.
A lot of quilters are upgrading to the Avante or the Fusion. So be sure to ask and do some searches on the net in your area.
A friend here is trying to sell her New Joy frame with the Babylock quilter's Choice Professional sewing machine.
Personally, I went into this with a fixed budget and a fixed price in mind. I only bought 2 small rulers after talking with the person from Quilter's Rule. He said when starting out go slow and then you'll save $$$ when you buy what you really will use. Too many buy a lot and never use them. I did get the little plastic platform for use with rulers.
I also didn't buy any pantos when I first got my HQ. Other LA'ers gave me their old ones:)) I found I could make my own if needed.
Have fun.
ali