First let me say I know nothing about long arm quilting machines. However, that being said, since you will be going to the Houston International Quilt Show in Oct/Nov is it possible that you could purchase one for a discount from the ones they use in classes? Seems like I've heard of that before on other machines and that they give FULL warranty on them even though they were used in the classes. I'm sure an Innova dealer will be at the show that could give you more insight and possibly a better deal. Of course Oct/Nov is quite a ways away & the one you are considering may be sold by then if you don't buy now.