Hey Kerry, I'm also self taught quilter. Use to quilt as I went in my tiny sewing area. Then I built a 25' x 26' quilting studio and bought me a Gammil classic Plus it is a long arm and I haven't looked back since. My is a stand and quilt.
I have had it for 11 years I love it. Just depends on what you truly need. I wanted to be able to quilt 120" x 120" quilts. So I also quilt for people in my area besides the many quilts I make and sell and make and give away. Youtube is a great site to find different ways of quilting and different sixes of machines. Best of luck to you.