I've bought 4 used Berninas and they were totally worth the money. I sold the first 2, upgrading each time. The 3rd one I still love, my 440QEE sewing/embroidery machine I paid $2500 for. I recently bought a 910 on craigslist for $300 to keep as a backup machine. It is the little sister of the 930 (one of the best Berninas ever made, and still very sought after) but the 910 is basic with no decorative stitches. It is however, very smooth and solid. However, with your budget, you might more variety in your stitches. I think a Janome is probably the best in an entry-level machine. I agree that you should probably wait and upgrade to one later - after you decide what features you really want and need - if you are going to make it your career.