You have good taste! The black 301s fetch the highest prices of the 301s. They can be a bit cheaper without the case. If you want a case, trapezoid case is preferred. Trapezoid cabinet is better! There is also a Singer card table for the 301, I paid $15 for my table, at a Habitat Restore, tables tend to run 10x that.
Make sure it has the bobbin case, an original one. This is the same as the Featherweight bobbin case. The reproduction b.cases are not nearly as good. If you do get a 301, and you take it to classes, put the bobbin case in your pocket when you leave the machine to visit, eat, etc.
I have a tan/mocha 301 shortbed. It has a lovely stitch, and is my go-to machine. These machines tend to be thirsty...they like frequent oilings. I have heard "8 hours," mine seems to like every 4-6 sewing hours. If they act up, it is operator error of some type, lack of oil, thread path, needle position. (Ask me how I know).
The last thing, when you start your seam, it likes to pull up/out the top thread...out of the needle. Hold long thread tails when you start. I learned to start sewing after manually moving the needle down into the fabric, and still holding the tails. But much less tension on the tails is needed.
Have fun! Haunt Craigslist, fbook Marketplace, local rummage, church, and estate sales.