I have always been of the belief that everybody should purchase their own airplane and then learn how to fly. Most people at first observation think that this idea is insane. However, most of the general public have no idea of the investment potential that the right airplane has to offer. They also don't have access to someone who is capable of looking out for their best interest when planning a purchase. My Dad actually made money by purchasing his own airplane, getting his private license, and then selling the airplane when he was finished for a profit. He didn't actually set out to do that, but quickly realized that it was indeed possible. He took the profit from the airplane and applied it toward the purchase of a bigger, nicer, airplane. Can it still be done today ? Sure it can. Can anybody do it ? Well, that depends on the individual.
I believe people should have things they want, and if you want an airplane (and truly want one) I'd say by all means go for it. It'll take a while to find what you want, but its out there - one that's just for you.
In the meantime, there's flying to be done and you need to get to it. There's airplanes for rent vertually everywhere, but I've noticed one thing nobodys mentioned on this thread so far and that's a lease. You might want to consider leasing an airplane as a possible option to take care of your airplane requirement until you find the one you want to purchase. There's not as many airplanes available for lease as there is for hourly rent, but they're still out there none the less. For a person like yourself, who has a wife who wants to learn to fly, it's a much more favorable option because you can actually take the plane to your home airport and you and your wife can use it as much as you like. Its just like owning except someone else takes care of the maintenance and insurance. The lease terms are usually much more favorable than hourly rental rates or block time from F.B.O.s
Check within a few hundred miles of your local area and see what you come up with. You'll have to specifically ask around for these because they're usually not publicized. Most of them are very nice airplanes, too and some are even available for future purchase should you decide you like it so well you'll just keep it.
Hope this helps.
Shelby.
