I would agree that it is a **** shoot when making a purchase of, well, anything anymore.
We are considering the orphan unit and also a unit from a manufacturer that may have issues BUT seems to make it right from my research. The price difference, the orphan being lower, would allow for some repairs, around $5000. My husband is capable of handling many issues even electrical. It would simply be the house part that would be the concern, the box of the thing.
Thanks for all the replies. We make the decision in the next couple days.