In article , Kirk Ellis wrote:

The only way to acheive the lofty goal of becoming an experienced
pilot, would require an aircraft in the 80k to 100k price range. Add
to that the cash reserves for the gotchas and the typical operating
costs and let's just say I will have to wait until I win the lotto to
see this dream come true.

Look at older aircraft that aren't quite as expensive to purchase as
"newer" aircraft. If you limit yourself to a 30 year old aircraft, you
are going to pass on older cherokee 140 and cherokee 160 aircraft.
These can have the useful load to carry 3 and you don't have to
spend $80,000 to buy one. They also are more likely to be able
to run autogas.

--
Bob Noel
(goodness, please trim replies!!!)