Not sure where to post this but does anyone have any experience
with cheaper generators like Coleman & Craftsman. 5-6000 watts
around $500. Not worried about noise but I'm guessing the parts on these are not real good and performance and longevity might be an issue. Don't want to rent, will be using one a lot.

I'm going to point you to two other threads on the subject (there
have been more in the past), maybe they will offer you some
advice and/or insights:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9311
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29898

I have been looking at generators. It looks like you could expect about 500 hours life out of Briggs & Stratten or Tecumseh engines. I have seen the 5kw Coleman w/B&S at Home Depot for $500. If I remember right, they had 5.5kw with Honda engine for $730.- I think it was Coleman too.