We just went through the "buying experience" recently, so here are my tips:
1. Decide on what your budget is. You may need to consider a pre-owned unit. If you can afford a new coach you will be better off due to warranty, etc.
2. Write down how you plan to use the motorhome (mostly RV parks with hookups, mostly boondocking, mostly mobile - new destination daily, how many people, pets, etc.
3. Make a list of features you think you want before you start looking at what's available, what are your typical preferences for wide open floorpan versus closed off, do you need to tow, gas vs. diesel, generator vs. 2nd alternator, sleeping arrangement, bathroom arrangement, battery capacity, solar, tv, etc. The list goes on and on.
4. Use the internet to browse the available offerings, Pleasureway, Roadtrek, Winnebago, Hymer, etc. Make a written comparison of the features each one offers and narrow your selection down to 3-4.
5. Join the Facebook groups for each of your top selections. You can ask questions and get the opinions of the users for each of the offerings. This is invaluable.
6. Find a dealer that has them on the floor and go look at them, test drive them, etc.
7. Then revise 1-3 above based on what you thought you wanted versus what you see. You may be surprised about how your views change.
8. Send out requests for quote on your top selection. If you decide to buy a used RV try to get some sort of warranty. For new units you should get somewhere close to 30% off MSRP. New RV sales are typically down in the winter so you may be able to get a really good deal. Don't necessarily limit yourself to local dealers. People buy all over the country on a regular basis.
Good luck and enjoy whatever you select.