Depending on the colors you are looking to create you might also want to look at the number of inks and print heads. The standard is 4 CMYK, but you can go to 6 or 8 heads and add Light Magenta, Light Cyan, True Grey, Etc. etc.. This will add cost and upkeep but will make your colors a lot more true and accurate.
In the shop I worked in we used a ColorSPAN printer on the 6 head setting out of 8 heads. I worked great but each ink ran about $175 and you had to run the printer every day or every other day or the heads dried out and you lost resolution. Things to keep in mind when you are making your choice.
I would create some costume files first and send them to any number of internet print shops out there for dyesub. That way you don't have to learn how to make the patterns and run a printer at the same time. Running is great but learn to walk and then jog first. It makes the running much easier!!
Good Luck!!
