No matter how we look at this thing, it comes down to 'Pay to Play.' You have to ask yourself "How badly do I want to go down this road?"
I've yet to find a hobby that doesn't get expensive rather quickly. Been pricing anything in the firearms sector recently? Or old coins? Or Petroliana?? A glass gasoline pump globe can set you back $3,000-$4,000 for a fairly moderate collectible globe. Even the entry level globes, the common ones, are bringing $400-$500 a pop. Neon signs start anywhere from $4,000 and up. For a single sided neon side. Double that for two sided. And $20K isn't unheard of for a neon sign, like the Ford Crest signs of the early 50's. Owwwww.
Old cars sure can set you back in coin
But then so does everything else. I don't golf, have a boat, go to gambling casinos, or have horses but my friends that do tell me what THEY pay for that fun and it ain't cheap!!