Need Some Serious Advice

Many outfits will take you regardless of where you live... if you have to go home you'll bobtail on your own dime.

More money? Yes...only with the right company provided you don't sign a mileage contract... I would never do that. % of line haul is the only way to go. If you sign on to make $1.00 per mile w/or w/o fsc you are a fool...IMHO.

You need 10K in reserve for repairs, emergencys, etc. keep yourself on a weekly pay schedule..pay yourself the same regardless of what you made each week... maybe $500.00 would be OK. Then bank the rest. If you have a good week don't get 'Obama-Rich' and spend it all at the chrome shop.

I think you first need to find what segment of the industry you want to work in..flat bed, reefer, dry van, etc. Then buy a truck that will be appropriate for the operation you run. You don't want a 20,000 lb. tractor if you will be running 45,000 lb loads... you may need a longer wheelbase if you have to mount a headache rack out back. You get the point.

Don't let low mileage be the major reason to buy a certain unit. My Pete has over 1.6 million on it and it's been a good, solid, reliable truck. I'd try to find a pre-'03 emission tractor with a good running gear... ask about engine history...get it in writing. Never buy without having a dyno report done regardless of any claimed recent engine work.

With your $20K in cash I'd spend no more than $20k, finance $10K and keep the rest in reserve. Pay off the other $10k in a year and get debt free.

I like owning my own trailer...if you get charged to rent their trailer it's usually too expensive. I'll pay for my $3500.00 Utility reefer in six months this year and gain 20% in revenue for pulling my own.