No advice to offer you but maybe this will make you feel a little better! I purchased a LGII right before Christmas for the same price, $300. It looks brand new and had seen very little use because the owner got a job at her LQS and had access to their long arm. I've read about using frames and a 9 inch machine for years and like you wanted to try it. Some people say they are just too small and others do beautiful work on them. I just want to do some simple FMQ such as the Pajama Quilter and finish some quilts!
I can't afford a bigger setup and am anxious to start this new adventure. :-)