I w-a-n-t-e-d a longarm but I did not feel I could afford it. Like you, I wanted to “make the whole thing myself”. I rented from a couple local shops (different brand of machines). This only intensified my desire to own my own machine... :-). I did get my own machine, without the computer, and have never looked back.
Aside from cost and space, the most important reason for my decision on the brand of machine I bought was—local service and support!!! I am very happy with my machine, but again and most important, if I need assistance all I have to do is pick up the phone and make an appointment. I do not have to pack up my machine and mail it to Iowa or Utah or wherever they are made.