[A/S] advice for total newbie sought

["kdfmotors" <o2cooled@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello all,

Glad i was pointed to this group!  All the other I found so far are 
very small/inactive...

I am totally new to Airstreams and RV'ing in general. I've always 
been interested in vintage 'streams and all things Machine-Deco, but 
only now will soon have the opportunity to get into one.

In short time I am moving from St. Louis Missouri to the Albuquerque 
New Mexico area. When doing this, I have been considering using an 
Airstream as my primary residence (at least for a few years). I hope 
to get a few acres in the outlying area (Sandia Mtn area) and put in 
a parking pad and put up a large (2,500-3,000sq ft or so) Morton 
Building or similar type of shop for my "toys".

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction on 
finding info on this - i.e. if it is economical / feasable to do so, 
what are some of the pitfalls, caveats, etc. And primary what type of 
vintage 'stream would best fit my needs. I have seem so many 
different models and variations it makes my head spin!

I have read that it is poor form to discuss what one pays to get into 
one, etc, but I'm hoping someone will make an exception because I am 
so new.

Some stats: I'm 29, single (perpetually), IT/computer professional. 
I'm into old VW campers, Old motorcycles (specifically Russian ones), 
restoring oldies of all types, etc. I've owner various incarnations 
of VW Westfalias and lived out of them for short durations a time or 
two. Out of my 
current fleet, my best tow vehicle will be a 1958 Plymouth Fury (once 
the motor is rebuilt) it has a 300hp "Poly" 318 with 3-sp Torque-
Flite transmission (new) and the Fury's came with the same heavy-duty 
suspension and brakes as the Suburban wagon, although they sit a few 
inches lower. Another possibility is I may soon end up with a VW 
EuroVan, which is rated to tow a little over 4,000lbs (braked). I'd 
like the trailer to have the typical full galley and head, prefer a 
full or queen bed to double twins, and will need some sort of space 
for a writing/computer desk for my laptop & printer. 

My reasons for going this way are: promotes "non-consumerism" in that 
I won't have space for useless 'stuff', flexibility to accept 
contract positions across the area (Los Alamos, Sante Fe, Alamgordo, 
etc, maybe even Arid-zona and southern Colorado) instead of being 
rooted to ABQ, the cost of a couple acres and a trailer is possibly 
less or equal to just a down-payment on a house in Snob.. er Knob 
Hill (nice area of town I would live if I bought a house). Unknowns 
are if the cost utilities and upkeep are more or less than a house, 
etc. Zoning issues, etc.

It's all about clean livin' eh!

Any advice is appreciated, or if someone could point me to any good 
web pages, books, etc.

Brian
A Luddite from St. Louie