I can buy a flyable certified airplane for under $15K. $25K for an ultralight seems unreasonable to me. I admit that it is partially that I am showing my age. Most prices today seem unreasonable to me.

There was a recent thread here about how to fly on the cheap. Recap: $15K plane, pass on the insurance, financing, etc. Make sure the plane you buy doesn't need an engine and sell it before it does. Take lessons until you solo and then fly your own plane all that you want, license optional. To save some bucks, find an instructor who owns his own plane and runs it on auto fuel.

Your early flying experience will be low and slow and really just a fun way to burn a bunch of fuel. General aviation as transportation is economically inefficient. Treat it as an expensive hobby.

If you want a license read the regs (FAR/AIM) and find out exactly what you need to do to get one.

The ultralights I flew years ago are available for $1500+.

My favorite current toy is a snowmobile and the snow didn't cooperate this year.