I guess the first two questions I would ask are these: What do you want to do with it and what are your payload requirements.
If there is a LSA that fits your mission, you will be greatly reducing the FAA's involvement in your life. That alone is a big cost savings. You will still have to have an Annual Condition inspection but, you can perform your own maintenance saving some more money. The weight limit on wheels is 1,320 pounds. Many of these aircraft have an empty weight of less than 800 pounds. That should give you some idea of payload. Keep in mind that a Rotax 912ULS (four stroke) with 100 HP will be burning less than 5 GPH @ cruise. That will save weight and money, as well.
As for licenses, many PP's have 'downgraded' to the Sport Pilot rating. If you have a clean bill of health, the only requirement moving forward is that you are healthy enough to have a valid Drivers License. This must be done BEFORE you have any black marks on a FAA medical.
Experimental, LSA and Sport Pilot rating have some limitations. Really worth a look though. Especially if you don't want Uncle Sam to be your copilot.