Welcome to RV.net! I don't post very often, usually it is when something goes "bang",( and I have had a lot of that lately, and I don't bug "The Timers" because I don't have the $. they have given plenty of ammo for when I get the $ to fix the bangs) First off, I bought my MH in 09. its a 1995. the motors great.
I am single and 54 and have been employed 2 yrs. and three months after being laid off work for 3 yrs. I am a full-timer. I am just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am hoping nothing else breaks down. remember, I am single! and that's with a 1995er. I wish I would have bought newer.
I am lucky I live on a friends horse farm. I do not have any bills except I contribute labor and help them with groceries and If something goes "bang" and I can afford it I pay for it. still ,that being said, It comes out to be more or less "rent". if I had to park in a trailer park or a RV park, I don't know how long it would be before something would happen and wipe me out.
I am not trying to dissuade you from buying a MH. You have been given excellent advise for the previous repliers ( and I do agree with gaurdrail53 ) and I can tell you really want one. all of us here just want you to be careful. besides a catastrophic failure on the interstate in a city during rush hour, do you really want to be stuck in an RV with a bored and irritable teenager for a 1,000 miles? best to you!