i 1/2 agree with Andy, it really depends on how many shows you ll end up doing in a yr, if you only do say one per month, you ll be better off renting/hireing out.
it goes like this.... if your doing 1000 seat shows, and you want EVERYONE to be able to hear, n you want to own, then 4grand will get you a ok board, snake, mics and cords, n if you shop wisely, a case for your mixer and some totes to haul the cords in!!! period, for 1000 people, inside you ll need approx 10 grand n pa equip, n id say that is gettin almost all used gear. Seriously!!!!, if your outside you can nearly double that cost, i d say rent what you need.
a few more words for you. FUND RAISING.....CASH DONORS.....CASH COW....... it may help you aquire the money needed to purchase everything you need to pull off these shows...
Hope this help put things in perspective
Timmahh