Kurt,
The specifics of my case will be different, but might be similar to others. I bought an antique car - 1923 Marmon 4 Passenger Coupe for $2500 and spent ten years restoring it. It brought enough to cover the price of a Kit - back in the day. Then a guy who owed me some money gave me a 1957 Thunderbird as part payment. I did a cosmetic restoration on that and it became my engine. Panel and paint was budgeted from personal finances. Ongoing costs are insurance about $1100 a year - One million liability and $33,000 hull. I live in a residential airpark so my hangar is part of my house, but here hangar space rents for about $350 a month. Then fuel and maintenance which will vary according to use. Annual will depend on if you qualify for the repair certificate. It also helps if your significant other smiles when she sees you write big checks or lots of little ones, for that matter.