If you are on a tight budget don't be too hasty to dismiss the "lawnmower" engines. For your 3 or 4k you are looking at a 15th or 20th share of a C42. Getting access to the aircraft just when you want to fly might be tricky. I looked at that situation and decided that owning 100% of a flying machine was what I needed, always available, throw in my tent and clear off camping for a week without putting anyones nose out of joint. It was a two stroke Rans S6 microlight. I flew 400 hours in it, crossed the channel every year I owned it and never had a diversion due to engine issues. Being a pull start I never got held up by a flat battery. It was cheap, cheerful and all mine. It even has a proper joystick and a quadrant throttle.