John Douglas, you have to re-frame your attitude, and simply consider a tractor as a useful investment, which you can cash out of when needed. Just learn about tractors by wasting a lot of time here on TbN, buy a clean used tractor, preferably a Kubota, take care of it, and when it's time, you can sell it for what you have in it, more or less.
IMHO, you will want something with a SSQA loader, at least one set of rear remotes, HST, and as far as a cab goes, that depends on what you expect to be doing with it mostly. If mowing in the summer, or plowing in the winter, a cab is sure nice. In the woods, or on and off it a lot, then an open station is easier. Leave some funds for implements and attachments. I have owned three used Kubotas, and never had any issues with any of them. Great tractors. Kioti and JD guys probably would say the same thing.
