............but its hard to ignore the Chineese imports that sit around that price point? Anyway, always keen to get advice from those more experienced in this game..............
Welcome Bobscape and good luck in your search. My situation is similar to yours, although I have owned a basic camper for many years.
You may open a can of worms with your comment, though, as some people have strong opinions about imports and their chosen model!
Inform yourself, look around, go to shows to help work out your needs/interests, perhaps take knowledgeable (ie skilled, not necessarily brand/country of origin committed) friends with you if you can, do your homework here and elsewhere.
All I will say is that after extensive looking, I have ordered an MDC Cruizer forward fold for $20k, has almost everything I want. Others might make a different choice, or perhaps not.
Good luck and enjoy getting out there. It is a priceless experience. After many years work travel, often staying in expensive hotels and apartments, I would prefer to sleep under a million stars than five!