If you do a lot of quilting you might want to consider getting a sit down quilt machine and a regular sewing machine. You might be able to find one used. I had thought of the Bailey which now offers a desk option instead of just a frame. It's a little over your price range though for the 15 or 17" versions. The 13" with the table looks like it would be 2k and you'd have 13" from your needle to the side. Very often they have classroom deals on the machines which would make them even more affordable. The classroom models are used very little so you'd be able to save a good chunk of change. A sit down quilt machine would give you lots of room for you to move your quilts around. That would be more than double what you are used to for space... but you need a dedicated spot for it. Baileys are great machines. If they had a table option available when I purchased my Lizzie, I might have gotten the Bailey. I got a Lizzie and haven't regretted it. Getting the table specifically for the Bailey is $500. If you have a handy hubby you could buy a desk at a second hand store and hubby could make the desk for you and save you money
If that were the case, you'd have a bit left over for an actual sewing sewing machine.
So a machine like the Bailey would be for free motion quilting only... but that would also give you machine options. If you got a sit down quilt machine you then could then spend a little more and get a second machine for piecing & decorative stitches. You'd be able to get just about any machine that you like for piecing and fun stitches. I know several people who have gotten a Brother through walmart or Amazon for less than $250 and like it a lot. It even came with a walking foot and an extension table.
Buying a machine is always difficult. There are so many options and every person you meet will tell you they love a specific model or brand. I thought I'l throw out the road less travelled since that's the way I went.. I have a Janome 4900 for using decorative stitches or needing a free arm. I have a Juki 2000 for piecing (LOVE my Juki!!) and I have a Tin Lizzie sit down for quilting. My set up is over your budget but at the time it was an option for me so I jumped at it.
Best of luck! If possible, I'd go and try out some machines at any local dealers if you have any near by.