A bit late to the thread here, but as others have mentioned, go SOTA. You will have zero issues with vibration or footfalls. They are very easy to set up, bullet-proof reliable and can be had brand-new with a top-flight tonearm and cartridge for well under your total budget. In your circumstance, I feel that would be the way to fly.
Transporting them is also very easy, but there is a trick: You have to make sure the sapphire bearing is isolated first. There are a couple of grub screws with lock-nuts on either side of the platter shaft that perform this function. You simply tighten them, lock them in position with the nuts and you're good to go. I also used a couple of C-clamps and soft cloths to clamp the platter suspension down. Moved the table that way across the country twice with never a problem.
Good luck & happy hunting!
Transporting them is also very easy, but there is a trick: You have to make sure the sapphire bearing is isolated first. There are a couple of grub screws with lock-nuts on either side of the platter shaft that perform this function. You simply tighten them, lock them in position with the nuts and you're good to go. I also used a couple of C-clamps and soft cloths to clamp the platter suspension down. Moved the table that way across the country twice with never a problem.
Good luck & happy hunting!