Can't really advise you on raven 1 v 2 but i feel they are both good machines and if you are flying mostly light then why not get a 1??? The raven 1 is better on fuel and cheaper to maintain, less to go wrong (no aux fuel pump).
But both are great depends on what bargain you can find really. But what i can say is get your own fuel and you wont look back. Traipsing to an airport is a major pain!!!!! And why would you need permission?? If you ask you generally get turned down.
All the best.