Oh, I do want to try a QAYG and then if I find that I enjoy that process I might give it a go on a large quilt.
Regarding renting a long arm, check with the local quilters and compare prices etc. Most likely they will be pretty close cuz they want to be competitive with each other.
My local long arm quilters and LQS that will rent their setup all charge for an hour of instruction on how to use their long arm AND all charge a minimum of 5 hrs even if it only takes 2 or 3 hours. But the local gal that has 2 setup in her house charges less than the LQS. And she will let you use it for an additional 3 hrs beyond the 5 hr minimum charge for free. So 8 hours of quilting on a 5 hr charge...and you can do more than one quilt.
warm quilt hugs, sue in CA