Quoted from CrazyLevi:

1. stop calling them tables, please, for the love of God or whichever deity you are into.
1a. Prices are all over the map. You won't find better or worse deals on Pinside than anywhere else. Pinball machines are bought and sold every single day through pinside, so it's hardly a "last resort."
2. We can't speak for all sellers, it's all over the map. Some are strictly firm, some have plenty of leeway on prices. Best you can do is make offers you think are fair, and be polite, and try not to become frustrated or rude if your offers are not accepted.
3. Shipping to you door is generally $400-500 by newbie friendly shipping companies like NAVL (Ie: you won't have to pick it up from a shipping terminal, or uncrate a game). A local seller may be willing to do it for free, or charge you a fee. There are no standards here. For a total newbie, it may be worth it. I had a friend help me set up my first game, he knew what it was doing and it was helpful.
4. Once again, there are zero guarantees with maintenance. Your game may break the first day you own it, or it may be a tank that never breaks. In your budget, expect an older machine, and with that comes likely maintanance. The best advice I can give is buy a FULLY working game - don't be tempted by a cheap "project" which may be very frustrating. A fully working game, things will break once at a time, and you may be able to fix it for free with help from us.
Good luck!