If you are comfortable going solo(no support) than $3000 seems okay. Bring your own variety of thread to see if switching from threads doesn't mess up the tension. Bring a mirror to see the quality of the stitches underneath. See if you can load your own quilt and quilt it before buying. Take lots of pictures of the set up and how to load it etc. before you have to do it yourself. Ask if you can contact her if you have problems. I have no experience with a long arm so you might look to see if their is a Yahoo group that has some advice.