Just In New and Need HELP

Hi, I'm Chris Judas. I live in Iowa and I am looking for any and all suggestions on what type/size of machine I should get. I am close to retiring and want to make signs, lithos and whatever else I can think of. I don't need a huge machine but I don't want to buy one and wish right away that I had gone bigger. Do people have a pref. on what software is best? Any specific brand of machine? I have been looking and like the looks of the Rocklers, Romaxx and Probotix but not sure how to decide.

I look forward to hearing from everyone.

Thanks.