O.P. ... so want to fly a drone but you don't own a drone, and you realize drones are very expensive.
Have you thought about just investing in a radio control unit-- one with more transmitting power and a bigger battery pack than any of the guys that fly drones in your area?
You'll get to fly a drone without hassle of owning one , and w/o investing in all the equipment.
I've already ordered a Mavic Air 2; but your idea might give me an option for replacement drones if I should lose mine.