I was in the market for a four place single several years ago. As you did, I started to look at light twins. I bought an Apache with new motors and props. The price we settled on was in the mid 30 thousand. My aircraft is STCed auto gas, and burns at cruise 16 to 17 an hour, my best is 15 an hour. I routinely cruise at 11.5 and 10.5 depending on which way I am going. The aircraft is extremely stable on an ILS approach. My single engine performance: At gross I can hold altitude at 5,000 MSL 100 mph. I also fly over a lot of open water, nothing beats the feeling of a second engine purring along when your family is with you. I do a lot of my own maintenance and agree if you can't do most of it yourself it can get expensive, but it is not difficult. I highly recommend a twin engine aircraft.