desirable features?
1. that its affordable, life is great if you don't blink at spending 20k on a hobby, that's not a requirement and fun can be had for $300 if that suits the budget.
2. that it gives enjoyable views, meaning its not a hopeless case, doesn't have to be perfect or even close to be enjoyable.
3. see number one
It can be a little like buying a car , if you want Ferrari performance don't buy a Hyundai, if you can only afford the Hyundai enjoy the ride and be happy.
Oh and astrophotography can be cheap , not long ago people took great photos with locally made mounts and film cameras
......you still can......