Rental is an excellent idea. Both my sons live near Jackson, Wyoming; and I could test drive a digital back there for several days and make a purchase decision. My wife and I used to own a commercial lab, but we had dip and dunk processors for E6 and C41. Yes, I paid my dues with Nikor (sp?) reels in water baths for temp control, but processing film at home is not in my current plans.
Of the digital backs you've used, what are the ones you would recommend? I have a Canon 24" printer so I can make some large prints. I wanted to get back to my MF (Hasselblad) roots also (started in 1965), and now I have an excellent kit waiting for me to put it through the paces.