Corey,
I might add a note or two concerning your post.
Aircraft ownership carries many rewards, but a new owner can be inundated with many details and time consuming situations.
As a student using rental aircraft you show up at the appointed time and place with your instructor. As an owner you may have to show up considerably sooner to have the bird ready to go. As a renter, at least at our local airpatch, the bird is siting in front of operations ready to go. The guy who put it there is also the mechanic, and on cold mornings he times everything so you and you instructor arrive at a warm engine and interior. Nice and savvy people to say the least. When done for the day you can expect to spend time with refueling, getting repairs looked after,if necessary, and putting the bird away. As a renter you give them the keys and settle up.
If you can concentrate on getting your Private Pilot Certificate, without the considerable burdens of ownership, it may be a bit easier, while somewhat more expensive. Learning to fly requires many hours of "Ground School" along with flying hours. It is a little easier for some to stay focused without the distractions of ownership.
Not mentioned in previous posts is an excellent book you can get through the club. Owning, Buying or Flying the Cessna 150/152, by Mike Arman. It is a good introduction to the 150/152. By the same token the archives of the club newsletters, websites of members, and the generosity of club members in sharing insights into flying and ownership are invaluable.
