The plane is $3,900. The A&P requirements do not exist as it is currently an ultralight. Once I add an ELT, do some paperwork, and have one of the A&Ps or the DAR in my EAA chapter give it a once over, I'll register it as an E-LSA (Experimental Light Sport Aircraft). I'll have an N-Number and everything. I'll attend the appropriate 16 hour course to get my repairmans certificate (this is something that E-LSAs can do, but ya can't do with normal experimental aircraft) and will be able to sign off on the annual myself, but I'll still get a second pair of eyes involved as a backup. Never proofread your own writing.
Interestingly, it's _not_ hand propped, not technically. There's a pull cable (like a lawnmower) sticking out of the floorboard/firewall between the rudder pedals. You preflight, strap yourself in with seatbelts, turn on the ignition, yell 'clear!' and pull the cable.
Regarding the no brakes thing, I'll be watching that carefully. The seller and a few other Rans owners online say that the plane is very draggy and very controllable even without brakes, but if I don't believe 'em after trying it on a wide runway, then I'll retrofit something appropriate.
I'm looking to buy a handheld, anyone have one they want to sell? I'm super interested in the Icom A5 Sport or A6 Sport (or their VOR capable doppelgangers), but I'm all ears on other radios y'all recommend. I'm not going to be a toy kite clogging up the airport, I'm comfortable using the airways/ATC system and I don't intend to suddenly get radio shy now that I'm in a non-electric plane.
I might be able to go get it this weekend if things work out, I'll let y'all know what happens!