By the way, this is a great podcast - used to be called 6 Figure Studio and focused on running a studio/audio business - go to the first episodes.

https://6figurecreative.com/podcast/

I have never done this but from reading around and following other people's stories , try not to focus on the gear too much and instead focus on the experience they get, how they like working with you etc etc.

You'll likely be relieved in the future that you didn't spend the money on gear and instead spent it on the business so that it funds gear later !

A deak can of course be great value in terms of all the pres you get - on the whole, in the mid-range of say 30-40 year old desks, not many people have the space and then not many people are willing to make the space for midrange stuff (they will for high end of course). Hence they're pretty cheap ..

And of course , once it's recorded, best value is to work ITB . Maybe spend on mics, desk (for pres) and interface with enough channels.. Get the function down before going fancy and entertaining gear lust.

But.. I have no experience in this so is only what I would do, for what it's worth.