Looking for starter plane

Hi all.

I'm a current student looking for suggestions on a plane purchase in
the next year. I will be going in on one with a buddy who is also a
student.

We are looking for a fixed gear, tricycle, two door, preferably low
wing. I would like a performance level near a Cherokee 140/150
(160HP). Most of the flying will be within two hours distance (one
way). One of the uses this plane will have is getting us to one of our
customers about 140 miles away. (3.5 hours by car, approx 1:15 by
C-140) If we have this level of speed, I think we can make a business
case for the plane.

I woiuld expect no more than 2 passengers, however, I think we could
survive with a two seater tandem. Our home runway is about 2835 ft
with trees on both ends. I'd like to spend around $40K. (or less)

A Cherokee would be ideal, BUT I am concerned about the single door.
I think this would turn off a lot of potential passengers. A canopy
wouldn't be out of the question, but the Grumman I saw looked a little
underpowered. I am concerned about the Beech cost of ownership.

Am I on a snipe hunt?

Jim