Nope it's not me. Great discussion as I'm considering similar process in buying an airpark home either in the foothills or Arizona and commuting to customer meetings when required. Definitely get your instrument rated as you will need it to keep a schedule. I'm working on mine right now.
As...
Join ABS the Bonanza society and do the BPP program if you are looking to get into a Bonanza. Great planes but they have their quirks and things happen faster plus need to get used to retract landing gear and the constant speed prop.
I don't recommend the Saitek yoke. Build quality sucks and not very accurate. Buy a decent yoke from Elite or Precise Flight controls and rudder pedals.
Definitely not good weather for flying. I've been flight sim and eating chili until the storm passes the Bay Area. I'd fly a 182 if I was heading out to Tahoe the extra power really helps over the mountains.