Aircraft ownership can be rewarding and frustrating. If you decide to buy, have a pre buy done by a trusting AP or IA. Depending on the AD's required, it could cost you more to own than rent. For a cheap time builder, I recommend a Cessna 140. Very cheap to fly, and you can find some IFR ones. I wouldn't fly a 140 IFR except for a cloud layer or practice approaches though. Just not enough power. But, it makes a GREAT tailwheel trainer (which can help in getting jobs like banner towing, glider tow, etc). It burns about 5 GPH in fuel, and your annual's don't usually take much. The AD's are most likely all complied with, with the exception of the recurring ones which are few. A nice VFR 140 will run about $20K. IFR maybe a little more if all it has is a nav/loc/gs and gyros. Mine was a great airplane. I miss it sometimes. Also, the Cessna 140 Association has people all over the country that know these airplanes that will help you with the purchase. A great organization to join.