Meaning, how did you know that the 150 you purchased had everything you wanted.
I completely understand the feeling, Brian. But, truth is you will be on the lucky side if you find the 'perfect' one. Perhaps think of prioritizing the wants list, and then you can sorta compare the asking price vs. how well it checks the boxes and keeping in mind how much additional cash/effort/irritation it would take to (eventually) be that perfect one. And I believe you will discover that wants list will change as you get more experience.
If you were going to buy anyway, why wait? Probably stating the obvious, but having your own plane for training makes scheduling lessons much easier. I too started with a rental (152 at a flight school), but when they were a bit too cavalier about maintenance for me I joined up here and bought my own.
One of the other good suggestions from around here is to find a 'buying buddy', someone with some knowledge or experience and no vested interest in a deal, monetarily or emotionally, to help keep your feet on the ground (so to speak).
