Even if you had credit, that is not really recommended for luxury items like pinball machines. The prudent thing is to save your credit for important housing expenses and emergencies.
Once you get your finances under control, you should consider dialing down your expectations. There are some great early solid state games. Learn about repair as well...most likely the most affordable pins are going to be those in need of repair. The caution here is biting off more than you can chew: parts and tools can add up quick. If you don't take the proper care to become educated about the inner workings your economical project pin could turn into a money pit.

The problem I have with this statement is the "perfect condition". I've never had a pin in perfect condition....or even slightly below that. That's for restored and high end collectors. Most of them do it for a keeper or a labor of love. Few sell for a profit.
Most of my pins came from fair deals on pins that needed some love. They got a little love and a little money put in them. On average I put only a couple hundred into post sales repair. Played them for a few years and in some cases made a little money on them at resale. None were anywhere near perfect.
It sounds like you already understand you will probably make little or no money on resale of your EM.