I don't think you are nuts, we sort of did the same thing considered renting. We already have a horse trailer with living quarters, but it's too long. I always wanted a MH because of dogs and motels just creep me out. We lucked out and found one on Craig's list owned by someone we knew, it only had 12,000 miles. I keep the RV trader site bookmarked for the years close and I think we could sell it for more than we paid for it. Course like NWBoondocker we added a few things.
Tinted all windows
Back splash in bath & Kitchen
new mattress
All kinds of fancy lights and cool little mods
Everything else was in great shape
We have an 18x36 carport on order for winter don't think I will get that 3,000 back but I will have a big carport
Still need
Back up camera
surge protector
We have had it a little over a year and have had a blast, the husband who didn't want it took it to a motor cross race and loved having it. He would now even consider upgrading and getting rid of the horse trailer. However I just can't find one that would pull a trailer I like any better than the one we have. Well I can .... but I'm not paying that much this one and trailer are paid for.
Good luck I thought shopping was fun, heck I still shop and am really happy with our purchase. Some friends think we are nuts since we have 2 campers and don't camp that much. Horses make it hard to get out of town for very long.