"if it flies, floats or f**ks, hire it"
(Traditional advice to those with excess cash to spend)
If you are keen to buy anyway, the obvious things to consider are
1. the number of hours you may do each year
2. the number of people that you may wish to carry
3. the speed at which you wish to go
4. the budget available
Less obviously;
5. the need of local operators for leased machines, and if so, what types
6. the availability & size of hangarage wherever you may wish to keep it
Number 5 is important, as it's easier to lease a R22 than an Enstrom or a Bell 47.
As I am sure you are aware, the answers for each of the questions (except number one) will be very different depending on type considered.
If I were in your position, I'd speak to someone like Steve Mitchell at Sloane and a large-ish local operator to try to get a handle on the economics and the local need.
Still, I'm envious of your dilemma!
Later edit; Just for clarity (and following heliport's comments below), I am not in any way associated with Sloane - I had just met Steve again that afternoon and his name sprung to mind.
Last edited by Draco; 7th Jun 2002 at 20:45.