Hang in there...this is why we have this board...to help each other. What budget do you have? If can afford a Janome 6600, it is great! You can contact dealers to see if they have a trade in or floor model that they will sell discounted.
Floor models, or show models are best, since they come with a warranty. The harp is large enough to "puddle" a quilt to the right of the needle for free motion quilting. I suspect freer motion quilting is what you are referring to in moving the needle sideways, actually, it is you moving your quilt all directions under the needle, you needle is always stationery ...at least we hope so. You can, of course, do this with a machine without a large harp space, but you do need to practice. I would start with some pot holders as a project, or just put two layers of muslin under your needle after setting your machine up for FMQ. There are lots of online instruction for FMQ Leah Day has a lot of free videos on her site for all kinds of designs to play with. Welcome to our board and to quilting...a life time of enjoyment.