Kevin, I love Vanagons.  However with your tight budget constraints (I know
exactly what you are up against as my business is still in its infancy) I
would not recommend the Syncro Vanagon either.  You could get a van that is
reliable as anything and have no problems with it at all.  But you could also
get one that is one heartache after the other and repairing a syncro is more
expensive than any other Vanagon (they have a special exhaust system, coolant
hose setup, fuel tank, and the AWD system will set you back $3000 if you need
to replace it or have it rebuilt for some reason).
If you were to get a Vanagon here is my advice:
1.  Get a normal Westie (non-syncro).  At least with this one the repair bills
will be less and less that could go wrong.
2.  Get a cheap second car that is reliable in case the van has problems so
that you can still function normally (get to work) if the van is down for some
reason.
I have a '81 Jetta diesel that I run in bad weather, or on short trips and I
save the van for trips over 15 mins.  This is nice because if the van has any
problems I have the car to drive (never have had this happen yet though).
Actually right now my Jetta is down (usually a super reliable car but the
steering rack was damaged about 5 years ago and I am just now feeling the
after effects).
You should be able to pick up a diesel VW or a fuel Injected one that is
reasonably reliable for under $1500.
Hope this helps ya.
Ken Wilford
Van-Again
John 3:16
PS Or you could just buy my 5-cylinder Vanagon I have for sale and not worry
about the motor. :)