I am on my third aircraft project. It is a M20F. My last one was a Skyhawk that took 7 years. Completely reworked everything on it because I am a perfectionist. Back to my Mooney; I bought it out of an estate for a low price rather than an RV because it is fast enough and can haul more than an RV. It of course has turned out to be more than I thought because the camshaft had corroded and galled sending lots of metal through the oil system. That was from sitting for 3 years before the sale. Lesson learned about a sitting Lycoming. I am an A&P and overhauling, (disassembly and assembly), myself and taking my time. Over the years I have met many interesting people that I would not otherwise if I just went to the airport, flew, and went home. I help them, even giving people spare parts and labor, and they reciprocate. So it's not just the flying, it is also the community at the smaller airports and that is the point of owning a Mooney that you have missed. I don't know where you are located but find a good mechanic that is familiar with Mooneys, or a better shop. Parts can be found on the internet, EBAY, BASS, Dawson Aircraft Salvage, Texas Air Salvage and Loewen's. Eventually you will have all of the major bugs worked out and then you will get the rewards of owning a Mooney.