I have the 750 and yes there is a wait, but it's worth it. Be patient (I had a hard time doing that) it will come. My dealer had the 710 and 780 on display and can't keep them in stock and that was back in December. Even now there is a waiting list. Bernina is distributing them evenly between their dealers, so everyone has a fair shot of getting them in stock and yours may only get 1 or 2 at a time. I would think your dealer would be willing to hold off on giving you classes until you have your machine if you ask them. Most dealers are willing to work with you. As for financing, I can't help you there. I put a down payment on mine so they would hold it for me when it came in.