I bought a longarm and computer in October with the hopes of starting a business right away.I think I underestimated the time it takes to get competent enough to feel comfortable taking in customer quilts. I am just now opening my business after spending a lot of time working on charity quilts for my guild and doing projects of my own. I think if it's interesting to you, you are excited about it and have the money go for it. From my perspective, I'm glad that I don't feel that I have to take in business to make the payment. That pressure I think would force me to do things I may not be ready for.
With your purchase, just think about how much quilting space you need to do a good job on customer quilts. If you feel like you have the appropriate space and can afford it, go for it
your insurance need would increase if you allow people to rent time on our machine but that's just something to think about, I know people that do it, but they usually have two machines and rent time on one....
Best of luck!