Transitioning to a 'Liveaboard' Lifestyle

[Matthewm0311]

I'm looking for a quality sailboat and would like recommendations on a good manufacturer. Something used in the 40' range. My budget is 90-150K, reasonable? (I was looking at Jeanneau's and Beneteau's)

I plan to live aboard for a while and keep to the waters of the east coast. Until I feel comfortable to venture out (Caribbean, South America, and eventually the Mediterranean) I admit I don't know much, but I'm eager and willing to learn. Yes, I've heard owning a boat is like throwing money overboard. But I also heard that some quality boats hold their value if well maintained and upgraded regularly. I may be naive and too optimistic for some people, but I realized you only live once from a combat tour in Iraq where I came very close to loosing my life many times. I will be getting out of the Marine Corps with a disability pension for the rest of my life and I just cannot go back to a routine redundant life where i just go through the motions everyday. This has been my dream for as long as i can remember and I am willing to make all the sacrifices I have to.

Any advice or critizism you "saltdogs" can offer will truly be appreciated.

THANK YOU
Sgt Mitchell