I would also say that you may want to get in touch with the local pinball/arcade community here in the Puget Sound area. As a run up to the Northwest Pinball and Arcade show in June there are a number of "repair parties" being held around the area. This is a good way to get help with some of the skills you will want to develop to be able to maintain your own systems and a good way to meet other collectors/enthusiasts in the area.

http://www.nwpinballshow.com/

An e-mail to one of the contact address should get you in touch with the people who can let you know when the next parties or events are being held.