I didnt read the whole thread, so its probably been said, but go to tractor auctions and by a good used tractor.
My BIL bought a 2004 JD 5105? ( 50 hp tractor) with a JD front-end loader for $12,000 in 2008. The tractor had less than 100 hrs on it and it looked new.
I see a 5105 (50 hp) with front end loader, 184 hours, 2 WD on tractorhouse.com for $14,600 (auction bid price at this time). That would give you $5000 to go get it or have it shipped to you and you would have much more tractor than a compact.
Just my $.02
