At the club I fly at, once all the launching is done, the tow-pilot goes home, unfortunately.

That is unfortunate. I'm not sure how to teach cross country without first making retrieves no big deal.

Having money to buy a nicer 2-seater, you would still have to stay local to the airport.

Having no money, but an on-call list of willing tow pilots, you could fly with what you have.

Maybe getting young involved as tow pilots?