If you can't afford your own longarm, DSM's work well or see if the LQS has a LA to rent (you will most likely have to take a class first). I tried a DSM and couldn't get the coordination down, but there are many professional quilters (Diane Gaudynski, Sharon Schamber, Sue Rasmussen) who use a DSM and create beautiful quilts. My old LQS (we've moved) gave classes and rented their Gammill on an hourly basis and still do. I was fortunate to have space and a budget for a LA when we moved, but like I said there are many people who use a DSM and do a wonderful job.
There are a lot of stencils and other products that can give you more variety for DSM quilting. I also admire handquilters, but my hands don't like it. I took a class and did okay, but my hands complained after a while.
There is a learning curve for any quilting, be it by hand, DSM, or LA.