time. I realize marinas
are not going to be the norm and anchoring/mooring
will be my lot in life.

Mark, with only $1500 a month in disposable income, you can forget the
marinas. If you really need to tie up then look for back water fishing or
commercial facilities where they will let you live aboard. Most marinas now
charge extra or just don't allow you to liveaboard..

Another point... Most marinas will require that you have liability insurance
on you boat and to get this, many insurance agents push you into a full
coverage package.
A $20,000 may be hard to get insured (if a survey is required).

Once you find and purchase a boat, you biggest savings, after forgetting the
marina, will be boat repair and maintenance. Learn it and do it all
yourself.. The shops and services from shore, will charge you $60 to $100/hr
to do anything on your boat. And if you hire "casual help" off on the dock,
you will get what you pay for and often less..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions