Corey,

There are pros and cons about buying a plane before starting your flight training. You might want to consider them.

PROS:
- The plane is available whenever your schedule allows for a lesson.
- You don't "waste" money on a rental.
- You have a better understanding of the systems of a plane when you are the owner.

CONS:
- If you don't complete your flight training due to loss of interest, medical, or other reasons, you'll have an expensive boat anchor and most likely will sell at a loss to get rid of it.
- The plane might need unexpected expensive repairs that will drain your training budget.
- You can't do routine maintenance on your plane until your have your pilot license.
- If for some reasone your flight training is stretched out over a long period, you still have fixed expenses (insurance, hangar, loan payments, taxes) on the plane that you have to make.

Just some food for thought.

[Linked Image from visitedstatesmap.com]