The only problem with commercial radios is you have to pay to get them programmed and you are limited to whatever channels are programmed in.
avvidclif,
Given that there are only a FEW GMRS frequencies available & "around here" there are also only a dozen or so 440 "machines", I don't see that as a real problem.
(My Motorola radios were programmed by a local ham, who is also a Motorola dealer & for FREE.)
It's been my experience that one a person is licensed for GMRS and/or Ham radio, is that there are LOTS of helpful folks, who will assist a newbie to "get on the air".
(My "Elmer" is "Promoted to Eternal Glory" now but he helped me a GREAT deal when I was a new ham.)
yours, satx