I know the one around here that rents only requires one all-day class for $125, but then you are "certified" to rent their machine. I don't know what the hourly rate is, but I was fortunate to be able to get my own. That's how I learned at my old LQS. They did the same thing, where they had a class and then would let you rent time on their second LA. The owners and staff were always around to help if there were any problems and assist in loading and rolling.
I definitely feel that it is a good idea to rent first if possible, before purchasing one, to see if you like to LA. I like to do my quilts from beginning to end and have never sent one to a quilter. It was not a matter of cost, just a matter of saying that the quilt is all mine. However, that is just me. That said, I would not let someone come use my own personal machine due to all the issues mentioned by others.