I would go with trying out machines find the one that works for you then try to get a good used machine. I got a longarm with 12 ft table it was a real old one I purchased it from Nolting they take trade ins . When I got it they told me that I could not hurt it. I was pretty good with fmg on my Husqvarna but it was really hard on my body. I do not find that with the longarm. I do not have any remorse but again I did not have a lot of money invested. I now do quite a few pantographs.
.