Considering O/O-Thinking Flatbed-Need Advice

So I have been considering O/O for some time now and asking our "older drivers" and some of the O/O who work for us on their thoughts. Trouble is, we do regional work, Intermodal (Shipping containers). In our line of work, everyone is so busy we don't get much time to chat among one another. I am considering O/O as it seems I started out at the top of the pay scale, most OTR jobs don't come close to what I make. However, my weekly gross is starting to look like a terrible, twisty roller coaster and I need off.

About me:

• Obtained license after going through a truck driver training program May 2015
• Driving since June 1st 2015
• Busted my rear end to obtain first and current employee driver position
• Have a clean MVR outside of a DUI that as of 3/17/16 is 3 years 2 months old
• No children, wife or house payment
• Not afraid to stay out OTR for extended periods
• Somewhat mechanically inclined and can/could handle/learn
  • Oil and fuel filter changes
  • Greasing
  • Belts
  • Brakes (haven't done drum brakes for a long time, but hear it is easy peasy on a big rig)
  • Basic Electrical
  • Basic air line work
• Have a starting Cash budget of $30k
• I am located in MN but open to relocating if needed

I am considering the purchase of one of our O/O's trucks. He has a 2003 Freightliner Classic XL, 150 Gal tanks, $8k in virgin tires all around and new aluminum rims (inside and outside) on the rears as of late fall 2015. Sleeper in good condition. Detroit 60 series engine with upgraded singular turbo instead of two along with a few other upgrades. Engine rebuilt as of 260k miles ago. Mileage is about 6-6.3 MPG Asking price of $18k. Before buying this truck I would obviously bring a mechanic with to perform a proper inspection of the truck.

Already have bobtail insurance quoted for trucks up to $30k in value, premium is more than satisfactory. I have also done basic homework on costs to operate and would need to get at least $1.70/mi for it to seem worth while going O/O. I also prefer percentage pay vs mileage pay as it typically seems to add up to better gross revenue. After fuel I would be putting away one check for taxes, one check for maintenance (till fund is built up) and the other 2 checks would equal my pay.

Questions:

• If the truck checks out, is it worth the $18k?
• I understand times are tough right now, am I better off remaining an employee driver, or can i actually make some decent money on a Flatbed?
• Do any of you have suggestions as to companies I can check out and lease onto given my short time of driving? I would prefer flatbed companies using side skirts

 

Thanks for your response. I already understand the DUI is going to limit my options, hence why I posted it up there.

Bobtail insurance wasn't a pain for me to get quoted on, in fact the rate I was quoted is comparable to other O/O's who have been driving significantly longer than myself. Further, I have found a couple companies, however they wanted 1 yr min driving experience. They said the DUI wouldn't be a problem as it was 3+ years old.

I am just hoping I may be able to move the time line up. The seller of this truck isn't going to sit on it forever, waiting for me to pluck it up.

Lets please not focus on the negatives, or my limited experience. Instead, what information I am asking. I posted all the info I believe was relevant for the questions I asked. With all due respect, I don't need answers/responses to information I am already well aware of.