BT,
First off, wow, what a story. I was wow'd with your patience, and you are a shining example of what I'm talking about. You were patient, you did your homework, you put your time in, you looked hard, and when it all came down to it - you pulled the trigger on what you could get. Buying JP for $2400 for what you described, if it is truly in that condition (I say that as it hasn't gotten to your home yet, but we'll have good faith in the seller and assume it will be), hey, roll with it and bring JP home.
The shipping is what makes me go from "awesome!" to "damn, that sucks" - BUT - you did all you could short of driving to get the pin yourself. I'm in the same boat with my XF pin that is headed my way; sometimes you just gotta eat the shipping for what you want. Personally, I never add in all the "extra fees" into my "paid for price" on my pins. For example, I popped $1900 for my JP, which was VERY well restored by our local pinsider, dung. I don't add the gas and rental vehicle fees, which would put the total to around $2100. I've added all the Papo dinos and completely and totally LED'd the entire pin, both prolly adds another $150 or so - so we'll say I'm at $2250. With that being said, for what you paid, and if you are happy with it - more power to you. You took the time to do your homework, research, searches, and looked hard - based on what you've described. At that point, you grabbed what you could get, and you're content with it. I really and honestly hope it all works out well for you !
As for your local Pinball shop wanting $3500 to START looking, I would have to laugh my way all the way to my car if they told me that. Businesses like that aren't out to help you. I remember when a guy here in Dayton tried to sell me a HS2 for $3000; I couldn't leave that place fast enough. Good for you sticking to your guns and finding a machine in very good sounding shape for $1000 less. Well done!
Life is Good .