Even so, $2,000 is a LOT of money. Around £1,500 without looking at xe.com I think, so I'd be here forever saving that sort of money up. Worth thinking about though, as it does sound worth it.
Thanks for the link regarding passes, I have little time tonight to look, however I'll have a look at the earliest opportunity. Primarily, my interest is in passenger services but I do have interest in freight too.