Starting out advice needed

Hi,
I am 50 and I'm looking for a new career.I have some rentals that need cleaning periodically and have been using a carpet cleaner who is very good and who also talks a lot about the positive aspects of this business.That got me inspired.
I think I would enjoy having a truckmount and giving it a go myself.
Now, as I am trying to gather information I'm getting more confused.
My guy has a Prochem Everest 50 hp machine.He says the high horsepower is the only way to go.Then I talked to some other people who say that 50 hp for a single wand is overkill.
I want to do residential and light commercial to start with and want to do good quality work, not low end property management type of stuff.
How much horsepower do I really need? l'd love to be able to buy a used truck that is not all worn out yet. The ones I see on e bay often have low power units like the prochem blazer in it.They also seem to be pretty worn.Should I stay away from those?Is there a good source for used gear? I was told that it's either Prochem or Hydromaster and I should stay away from aircooled and direct drive.I could potentially spend more and get a new Hydromaster 427 and a used truck to put it in but that would put me into the 30000.- dollar range.I'd prefer to stay around 15000.- if I could.Would that make sense? Could I find a decent rig for that amount? I'm in nothern Idaho and I might have spent 1000.- to travel across the country to find the right truck.Would that be too risky?
Do you guys have any advice for me?
Any help would be greatly appreciated   

What is a CD?

Look before you leap??

And buy a clean cold?????????????????

Or better an Aqua Broken?

Same repair bill?

Makes you want to become a lonley tm repair man?