Fortunately, an inexpensive inkjet with pigment inks can produce stunning results. I do great with an Epson WF 1100 (no longer available but replaced with another model) and used to do fine with my HP 9800. If you don't need to go 13" wide, there are printers out there for less than $100. The good thing about the Epsons is the availability of after market refillable carts and CIS if you get big-time serious
And, as I have been saying for a few years now, the advent of DTG seems to have pushed the transfer paper folks to step up their game.