I have a local with a 1977 Liberty Bell machine that's been in a family for 30 years (never an arcade game) it's in full working order with "some faded paint and has a few scratches on exterior cabinet but playfield and back board look good for its age."

I can't afford a DMD yet, and he is willing to sell for $500 which is $50 more than my current budget. This machine is hard to find any good price comps on... looking for quick advice I think I will have to move on this soon. Here are the two photos he could send me from his phone. Any input is GREATLY appreciated I'm 100% new to this hobby, and I want something that I could resell in the future for AT LEAST what I put into it.

IMG958910.jpg IMG954004.jpg

Thanks for all of the helpful input! I am hopefully going to be able to play on it tonight and give it a thorough inspection. I've already read the pinrepair site about EM components... and now this. My ADD can't help but search around before pulling the trigger and there is a Demolition Man fairly close to me for $1250 (waiting to hear back on details regarding the condition). Much more than I want to spend now but my thinking is that there might be more POTENTIAL resale value if I refurbish/rebuild the DM (and a much more in depth play experience).

On one hand I'm thinking I can get started "old school" and work my way into DMD... on the other hand I'm always thinking bang for my buck and could justify spending more if the dollars spent are leveraged better... make sense? I'm so glad this community exists... ultimately the decision is mine based on what I see and play, but I appreciate the experience and insight offered that can be helpful guidance to me.

banana are you talking about the Liberty Bell? This is why the DM might tip me over it seems to have more investment potential.

I'm doing what I can to increase my budget comfortably so I can go DMD instead of EM (amazing what I'm suddenly willing to sell to make this happen sooner than later - speaking of which I have a really nice Fender California Fat Telecaster if anyone here is shopping for a really nice guitar). DMD is advancing as the winner as I examine my personality and tendencies and desires for my first buy. The more I thought about it an EM machine will probably never get my adrenaline going like the buildup to completing a difficult mode or a hurry up or skill shot, etc. on a DMD (and the accompanying sounds and light show vs chimes - you all know what I'm talking about - nothing wrong with EM just realizing my personal preference now that it comes to putting down more than quarters).

That being said I'm all ears if anyone knows of an unlisted machine that is around that $1000 to $1250 price range as long as it functions okay I'm glad to save some money initially and rehab the machine to make it as new as possible again.

Thanks everyone - I'm trying my best to be patient and wise about this... all of the input is really helpful. I'd rather be on the patient and picky side than to rush into something that could be less than ideal both enjoyment wise and financially. This has really helped me not be in the "forcing the issue" mode like I was even just yesterday. I'm doing my best to manage my enthusiasm I didn't expect this to be such a big deal but there's just that "something" about pinball.

OK so DM is gone found out through another Pinsider. Did find this - waiting for photos it's probably around an hour drive for me to see it:

Bad Cats, 1989 Williams: 1500.00
For sale is my bad cats pinball machine. It is in overall excellent condition. It has been home used since 1990. No cabinet fade. All original boards. Playfield and ramps are in excellent condition. No hacks on boards. The only negative to the game is that it is missing some background music. I do not know if it is a ribbon cable or sound ROM. Backglass is perfect. Display is in very good condition.

It's hard to find good comps for this machine I don't know if I can talk him down to where I would want the price to be - closer to $1000-1250 range. Anyone know what a fair price for this might be? (I know it's system 11 single ball but the upside is my two daughters are cray for cats this would go a long way in the "whole family" enjoyment category)

Zero plays. Just video footage from online. I don't want to waste time on the forums with every little thing that pops up, so I think I'm going to wait, watch, play some more machines, save my money so I don't have to bottom feed and then go shopping with a better plan. I just have to fight that urge/impulse that wants something RIGHT NOW. There's been great help from everyone thank you all who have contributed!