Been looking at tractors for over a month now mainly online (drove a 30 horse Montana) and it looks like a Yanmar might be a good choice, who does the best refurbishing here in the states, is there more that one dealer who does this?
I like the idea Ernie has in that he buys and sells original low hours machines that haven't been hacked up or the other dealers like Fredericks and Wayne LMTC all have good reps. my .02
Freight is freight its a one time deal get a good one and pay what it costs to get it home that is a area that is negotiable usually thru a broker all it will do is go up always does.
Or find a US spec Yanmar like one guy on here just bought a 3k hrs 336D that is about the size you are looking at and an excellent tractor at reasonable prices.
When I bought my YM2020 I got it from WI and it cost me $600 to have it shipped to NC. I have a good freight hauler so PM me if interested, he is independent and makes runs all over the country mostly hauling military vehicles.