Welcome Dennis. I too started your exact same journey about 2 months ago and now have 9.5 hrs under my belt and am leaving in 2 weeks to pick up my very own C-150. While I think your direct operating cost will be much lower then renting, in the long run you will probably spend more money purchasing. But who cares you own you very own airplane.
My thought is safe pilots are ones that get to fly and for me the thought of having to schedule a rental weeks in advance just to have a chance to do some touch and gos wasn't very attractive. Good luck the transaction you have come to the right place. I am no expert, but the guys (and gals) on this forum truly know their stuff and are more than willing to help.
