Does your dad have any machines?

KyleCat , did you decide on a theme that you would want the most?
Up until Christmas is a really good time to find different theme machines.
So far, you seem to be considering anything that is popping up on Craigslist and Pinside in Texas.
Buying the first available game turns out to be some of the worse choices.
Best to figure out which 5 machines you want the most in your price range and hunt those down.

Hate for you to get a machine and find out you don't like playing it after a week.
I used Youtube a lot when I was searching for my first 5 machines.

I will have a Demolition Man for sale before Christmas. At some point a Stargate too, but will be after Christmas.
There are many collectors in Houston I keep in touch with that have games for sale as well. One has a modded Metallica Pro for sale now.

I do like TSPP, but I prefer DE Simpsons. But that's just me. Some people like both just the same.
I like Stern Indiana Jones and Williams Indiana Jones equally. Nice having them side by side in the lineup.

For sure if you get one game, you will want another. TZ was my first game and it was 10 months later I had my second game. Since you have up to 5k for a budget, I would shoot for finding 2 cheaper titles. Patience as there will be some good titles coming up on CL in the next 2 months. Remember price does equal condition, not just the title.