Actually its really cheap - just talk a good friend with lots of cash into it - then buddy him / her around! Priceless!
When you think of the re-sale value equipment of its probably fair to say you will achieve a 30% loss over time for everything you purchased - if you buy wisely. The question is you are only here for a short time - what do you want to spend your money on - and is that pursuit a "loss"?
Doesn't cost much to join a club, gain knowledge - even pool resources amongst friends - one of you buy the apo, one the great mount, one the great ccd and one all the software. Then there's alway 3 friends to share your journey with.
When I was a kid I did Karate at Uni - lessons where free, over several years I forked out about $100 for 2 uniforms, several belts and grading fees. Were I to train now I could easily have to pay that per week. So timing of when you start a hobby is important. Great gear is pretty well price now for Astronomy.
Currently I am getting back into indoor rock climbing with my kids. The basic kit if you don't want to rent harnesses, shoes and chalk bag is about $240 plus climbing fees - about $10 per person per session. I did four hours last Saturday with my kids and a good friend. Left me bruised, scraped and sore - and loved every moment of it. I tried five climbs I've never managed before - and after multiple attempts got through 3 of them all the way and the other two half way. The one that left me most bruised was the large table - every tried climbing off a large table and traversing it upside down (going side to side underneath it) without touching the floor. Inordinately proud when I finally master this plus the other climbs!
There's a social side to hobbies - and the fun derived from this - for you, family and friends should never be de-valued.
Matt