Changing trailers, what to look for in a flatbed?

I've been driving an end dump for the past few years and it was good. Low fuel costs, but lots of tires. Demo has really slowed leaving weeks between gigs so I got this crazy idea that I'd expand my horizons. I got an MC authority (I know, but I want to be able to build a company, not just drive) and let it mature a little while I stayed with demo. That's done so now I'm looking to get that flatbed.

I can get an old one that needs a lot of welding for rust holes in the rails, or finance a new one for about $25k, or rent one for $800/mo. Driving an old 06 Western Star with a 12.7 cuz it's paid for. What I lose in fuel I save in payments.

It'll be a lot of looking stuff up for a while, but running a frameless end dump takes more sense than luck. I ran dry van before that so OTR isn't a new thing either. I just want to get the right trailer to start with. Hoping someone here has some pointers.

 

Since that customer is the entire load board I was kinda thinkin what best does that. There's a decent 48' step deck near me but that "Xtreme Beam" is only 5 yrs old and under 20k. Or break out the welder and get one paid for. What I don't know is do some have better connection points for chains or straps? I'm looking at combinations mostly, cuz that's what's out there mostly...

I'm rambling...

I went end dump because it was a good niche. where is the niche in flatbeds? What don't folks want to do that makes other folks want to pay more? And what does that trailer need for it?

 

Florida. little north of Tampa

 

I had thought of that and it's a good argument. The only reason to finance is to keep cash on hand, at the price range i'm lookin I don't expect more than 6-8 months to pay it off. Rents around here are $800/month which is more than a payment without owning it in the end.

I did dry van for a while, it's ok and I learned a lot bumping docks, I don't really want to do that again. And if I don't do something physical I'll become the stereotype.