One more question. How difficult is it to carry out some of your own maintenance and which tasks could you do by yourself without having to invest too much money in tools/equipment? My way of thinking is that part of the pleasure in owning something is taking care of it.
Your own maintenance is very limited (only simple things like oil changes). Most maintenance has to be performed by an A&P an signed off by one with IA. A friend of mine who owns a couple planes that he leases back to a flyin club recommends having at least $15,000 in cash as backup for unexpected maintenance items.