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You won't find many M20Js and no 231s in your price range without a lot of problems. The Mooney's not a bad call, though. Maybe an M20F? That and the G were the first to go to FI.
Now, let's hear from someone who has actually commuted the kinds of distances you're proposing to fly on a regular basis. As for me, and I admit I'm not that someone, I would seriously question whether that was a good idea in anything that isn't pressurized, turbocharged and maybe a twin (or serves cocktails in first class). Reason being, if you're talking about monthly trips that means a schedule and that and the distances virtually guarantee encountering IMC a lot. IMC in the winter is asking for icing. IMC in summer is asking for thunderstorms.
At any time of year your route is asking for mountains, BIG mountains. BIG mountains and thunderstorms and so on means flying in the flight levels and that means you need the capability to get up to FL200 just to have some gliding distance in case you lose your engine over the Rocks or to clear the minor cumulo nimbus obstructions that you will encounter.
Understand, I think flying once or twice a year to the West Coast and back would be absolutely terrific. But, the only bad IMC is the IMC you have to fly in and that's the scenario you're describing.
So, enough of my raining on Wesleymac's parade. Anyone with better qualifications feel free to tell me I'm AFU.
Regards,
nrt
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