Having Trouble w/ Lingo and Options

[daveyknew]

Yo.

I sell 18 x 24 Prints of Art I produce in photoshop. I typically order them for about 3-4 dollars online and them ship them out when they are ordered.

What I am leaning towards is purchasing a large scale printer that I can produce my own prints up for 44 inches if possible. I have a good amount saved and would be able to pay for a printer. I am wondering what my options are.

I've found printers like the Epson 9880 which runs about $5,000 dollars, but am not finding info on the lifespan of these printers, the cost per 18x24 (average?) or 36x24 etc.

Can someone point me in the direction I need to go? I want to print on paper for sure but am also interested in printing on canvas. I am not going to drop off the planet after writing this message as many do, so any opinions would be appreciated.