That does sound like a nice setup.

Back to the original question, you can find some good deals on used equipment. A lot of guys like the idea of a welder, but they never actually use it after they get it. The auto-darkening helmets can be had pretty cheap, these days, too.
Some companies (and a lot of my friends) recommend that you lern to weld angle iron and make your own cart. I thought it was a little tough for a first project, but it is a cool project. On the other hand, Lowe's has given me grief about returns and service, before, and the local Home Depot has always been very cool about stuff like that.

Good luck! I used to use some very nice Lincoln and Miller welders (and plasma cutters and acetylene torches and...) at work. I always look at the small welders and think 'Oh, I can't weld 1/2" plate for 4 straight hours with THAT!' Duh. I won't need to. And neither will you. Find a friend that can weld and practice. It's a lot of fun.