A couple of more thoughts:

1) Although its a little sensitive in pitch for some folks, the SGS
1-36 is another "old metal bird" option that would be a fine ship.

2) There are several good ships on http://www.wingsandwheels.com/wantads1.htm
(Page 1) that you could purchase with a partner, including the Russia,
the PIK-20 (if you're OK with flap-only landings), LP-15 Nugget
(provided its in good condition), maybe the ASW-15b (if it can handle
your pilot weight)... All of them could probably be negotiated down a
couple of thousand $$, too (depending on condition, trailer, delivery/
pickup, annual inspection status, etc).

Good luck, its a big odyssey! It took me a couple of months to buy my
first ship (a Russia AC-4a) and about 8 months to find and buy my
second one (a DG-300). Take your time, and inspect the ships in
person before you buy if there's ANY way you can do so (remember: a
trip to view the aircraft is way cheaper than the cost of a glider you
end up not liking).

--Noel