Mike writes:

Plus, I'm getting sick & tired of having radios go out and other
annoying problems with the rentals.

Just until you have radios going out and other annoying problems are
in your own plane. Seriously, I've been fortunate that all of my
avionics problems so far have been minor (usually just an hour's work
or so each), but during the peak time in the summer you might have to
wait two three weeks to get your radio back from the avionics shop.
At various points during my just-completed IFR training, I was flying
with no ADF (a big problem around here), no NAV2 (a minor problem),
and no ADF or NAV2 (very big problem -- IFR navigation with just NAV1
and a DME).

I guess the search continues...but there has to be something out
there. Ultralight won't work for the x-country stuff. I've thought
about a partner, and would consider that, but how would I go about
finding one?

Try a Cherokee 140 (preferably upgraded to 160 or 180 hp) with a
single partner -- that might not be too far off your target range if
you're splitting the price, but it's still a capable cross-country
plane.

For finding a partner, put a notice up on the board in your local
FBO's and flying schools, and while you're doing that, look for
similar notices from anyone else.


All the best,


David

--
David Megginson, , http://www.megginson.com/