Wow! I wasn't expecting so many responses so quickly. Way to make a (relatively) newbie feel welcome!:)
I appreciate all the suggestions; as soon as my crazy work schedule allows me some free time, I'll check them out. Also, what about picking up a second-hand Taiidan Freighter? At first glace, it seems appropriate: an older vessel, cheap, and I'm assuming that if it's "the trademark of startup corporations", it's available on the open market. I don't know a whole lot about the GMG, though. Is there any RP problems with my indie scientists flying around in a Taiidan that I'm not aware of?