Hi Stewart,
I would definitely recommend getting another Z, but have a little more patience with any niggling bits and pieces that require attention. If you're lucky, you're 8-9k budget could stretch to an HR. I paid 10k for mine 6 months ago but occasionally they pop up in your price bracket. Lots and lots of good advice on here from a friendly bunch of people, and some good traders too.
With regards to finding a local specialist to work on your car, I can't answer that one, as I am more than willing to travel for an hour or more to use a trusted and recommended garage that really knows these cars. I use cougar store in Leicester for mine. They are on this forum, along with plenty of others, which other members will also travel miles to go and see.
Look forward to seeing your new Z soon