Im a new rigger as well got my ticket in July and since then I have picked up a Singer 20U (blue japanese model) and it works great for what I need. Ive done minor patch work, replaced zippers, built a handy cam glove and other stuff. I also have a small singer home machine that will run E thread. I picked up both machines for next to nothing. look around deals will come up! hope this helps!
~Tom