I feel your pain, Billy! Been there!
If you can afford $40,000 for a "Trike" (I assume you mean a new ultralight) then you can afford $20,000 - $25,000 for a much safer 152 or well equipped 150.
But, that's only the entry fee! You still need to consider insurance, operating costs (including an annual inspection and routine maintenance), and tie down or hangar rent. Most folks won't fly without insurance, yet another consideration. All total, after purchase, you're possibly looking at several hundred dollars a month in incidental costs, whether you fly or just let the plane sit! This alone stopped me cold in my tracks, as I couldn't even afford to rent once a month!
All that has changed for me, but the way I did it won't work for everyone. I bought a house and hangar on a rural airpark for less than what houses in the suburbs were selling for. I pay about $70 every 3 months for airpark maintenance, and that's all I pay above my mortgage. I now own two 150's, and they don't cost me anything to sit in my hangar. Like I said, it's not for everyone, but my point is that if you keep looking and don't give up hope, you will find a way to do things. Think outside of the box!
BTW, my wife loves our new rural life style, living with our airplanes!
