Thanks everyone, for so much info. I've been quietly soaking it all up.
I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on my first aeroplane, and would see the first one as a stepping stone (for maybe a year or two) towards the Commander or similar.
SAS, maybe you would PM me your details? Regardless of the type of aircraft I go for, you sound like you have a pretty pragmatic and sensible approach to things!
To be honest, I'm starting to think about winding everything right back and buying something for £20K - £30K, like an old 172 or similar performance Piper (I prefer the low wing), and getting some hours under my belt, then worry about clever wheels and props for my "proper" aeroplane - something to look forward to!
I have considerd just continuing to hire, I've also thought long and hard about an aircraft share - which on the face of it, seems perfect. But I would be frustrated if the aircraft wasn't available, I'd also like to take it away for a few days, a few times a year, which would be inconvenient for everyone else, and finally.. I just want my own aeroplane (regardless of how comparitively humble)! That last one being a reason for purchase, which I suspect is pretty common amongst light aircraft owners!
But the complex side can wait if it'll cause me all sorts of agro.
If I went for a cheap Piper (I quite fancy getting on dirt cheap with very few hours left on the engine, and getting a factory overhauled engine from Lycoming, so I know I'm not inheriting an engine with a history) and wanted to move it on in the next year or two, am I likely to be able to get out of it relative unscathed, and within a sensible timescale?
Thanks again to everyone.