When you start looking for a machine Topher, a 13" to 16" machine is pretty ideal for 99% of work. USA or Import is fine, just get a lathe that cuts imperial and metric. Trust me, you will need to be able to cut both.
I'm gonna go for it. My order of ops is as follows:
Continue to read and learn via as many visual aids as I can find, including but not limited to: YouTube, various forums and Facebook. I also purchased a couple of videos to get me familiar with the process.
Enroll in a night class or two to get some formal training as time, for me, is tighter. I'm not a kid anymore (discounting what my wife says) and the formal training will get me started on the right foot.
Continue speaking with 2 or 3 gents on here that have offered me assistance via phone, text, and possibly informal instruction in their shops.
I'm also shopping for a suitable lathe. I won't be purchasing anything until the first semester class is completed. I'm learning now what won't work as well as some things that will. But the money will happen once the first class is done.
Thanks again for those that have offered me guidance, insight and encouragement both publicly and privately. I owe several on here a beer if ever we meet.
Some of you, well, you know... probably best left unsaid.
I'm in the same boat. Having a back patio poured this week (weather permitting) and a foundation/pad for a small workshop. Having 200 amps of power run to the shop when it's built - that should be plenty for a lathe, mill, bandsaw, and home made heat treating oven.
I recommend checking out the site, HobbyMachinist.com. Lots of good advice there.

Seems like a Clausing is for sale on this forum. My Clausing has chambered a lot of barrels.
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/clausing-lathe-for-sale.3915566/
