In the UK it is normal for gliders to be shared between syndicates of 2 or 3 members. A syndicate of less prosperous members might buy an older glider for 8,000 dollars, and for a third of that a syndicate member can have as much fun flying as a prosperous pilot who invests 400,000 dollars in the latest supership. So pilots invest whatever they can afford. I have not heard any private owners talk about taking finance on a glider.