I baught a IFR C-172 and put very little of my own money into it. I lease it back to a flight school. It pays for itself and I fly it almost as much as I want. I just finished my instrument ticket in it. All the money that I recieve from the rental goes into its own account and it pays all the maint. costs, loan, insurance, fuel, etc. and what's left over goes towards the next engine overhaul. Great cross-country plane.....