I'm so sorry for your loss.
I have a Nolting 24" PRO for about 6-7yrs now. I only quilt for myself. I do love it. You probably won't find a longarm dealer in your backyard or even your City, mine is 3hrs away but a phone call in a second. The longarm doesn't operate like a regular sewing machine and the learning curve is high. I also do mostly pantographs and I like them. I also own the Circle Lord which I dearly love.
If you attend any of the big quilt shows check out the longarm machines. And usually you can get a good deal from the dealers. Most dealers and the manufacturers have used machines. Don't be afraid to buy used. I suggest that you might want to join some of the longarm groups on Yahoo, you never know what you'll find and who might be selling. Good Luck