aaron,
The Light Aircraft Association is one of the two main sport flight associations (the other being the BMAA), and - historically - its focus has been on the home builder (either kit or plans).
As well as the well-known factory built light aircraft by Messrs Cessna and Piper, there is an amazing range of other designs - but they have all been "amateur" built.
The big advantage is that you can do your own maintenance (or have someone else help out who is not a licensed aircraft engineer) and many will run on Rotax 912 engines which burn half the fuel and use just unleaded petrol (at half the cost, nearly).
To be frank, many types will also hold their value very well.
You often don't hear about them in flying schools because they operate on a Permit to Fly, rather than a Certificate of Airworthiness and so are unseless for hiring or teaching.
Planes and Aircraft For Sale - Light Aircraft, Autogyros, Helicopters ... (UK) is your friend. (afors.co.uk is being used as a test for a new look afors, I understand)
This route could give you £50 an hour flying, or less!