A lot of great information and advice- I appreciate it. As suggested, I'll go out and drive some cars, hook up with PCA and local repair shops. I think my comfort level budget wise will put me into a SC or mid-year Carrera. The 915/G50 issue seems secondary, pending driving them. Even though there's good value in a 964 (as well as early 996s, I really like the look of the earlier ones with the Fuchs wheels.
Here's something I saw on eBay, perhaps heading for a price too high, but maybe not. Red wouldn't be my first choice, and I think I'd rather not have a whale tail. I just want something modest and tasteful.
Porsche : 911 28k miles in Porsche | eBay Motors