I’m sure they are interested. But I have a LOT of problem recommending what’s really a ‘hobby’ vehicle to somebody to learn on while they’re on the road, with nowhere but the van to go. What’s going to happen when the carb goes bad? Or the brakes? Without a LOT of work I wouldn’t want to be in that situation.
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All good points. Life is full of compromises. I expect the OP is simply looking for ideas, and is in the best position to ultimately decide which compromises work best for them.
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I appreciate your confidence and commitment so I’ll offer a practical suggestion, that first you borrow or rent a similar vehicle for a month to try it out in your intended application.
It may seem expensive or an unnecessary delay but it will greatly improve your chances of success while diminishing the possible financial loss and the personal disruption you’ll experience if it doesn’t work out.
You wouldn’t go backpacking without a “weekend try out” of your boots and gear? And all that stuff can be easily returned if it doesn’t fit or function.
No so easy with a used camper van.
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Around here a high top conversion van is possible for your 3k budget. The weekly question will be- how good of a mechanic are you? 3k will get you a late 80’s to mid 90’s van with 150k miles or more. Odds are it will smell like 10 years of milk, Gogurt, and pet odors. But all things can be remedied with time, sweat, and of course, money. Of the big 3 motor companies they will all be about the same in reliability. Fords have wiring quirks, dodges have the o/d transmission issues (that may have been remedied by the previous owner), and gm has tranny and rear end issues. I know the YouTube vanlifers love to show off the vw bus as this amazing thing, but watch a few seasons of combi life and see what your opinion of the amazing vw is. I hope that helps in some way, and your welcome to ask me about vans anytime. Enjoy the open road!
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I live in California so my biggest concern is going to be staying cool. 
How you are proposing to live can be a safe and satisfying for those having the requisite experience, skills, flexibility, and common sense.
Finding a good vehicle within your price range is a challenge - imagine for a moment a vibrant 20-something in the prime of life looking for a fit and exciting 90 yr old with whom to share a few good years - one might stumble upon a George Bernard Shaw, but only after passing on many nursing home wrecks. Money isn’t chasing old campers, so consider carefully and figure anything you put into locating and maintaining one as a sunk expense, like rent.
Sorry the following is long, but there are many pitfalls for a beginner:
Educate yourself (detailed inspection advice available on-line) on how to evaluate very old campers and motor vehicles with special attention to the many ways they age - you need to limit wasted time - some can be ruled out with a phone call, others in the first minutes if you know where to look, and sniff (rot, rodents, mildew). Quickly reject anything that even remotely might be trouble, don’t get emotionally involved, it’s okay to reject a “maybe” good one (it probably isn’t). Form a relationship with a qualified (emphasis on qualified), independent, motor home inspector to whom you will take those very few you’re certain are good. Be prepared to pay fairly for this (it’s both a vehicle and a dwelling with many systems), so only for the very best candidates - inspectors can save you much more than they cost, and provide hard evidence for bargaining on price.
You may find it simpler or more practical to look for a trailer and tow vehicle separately as you may be less likely to find good examples of both functions in the same vehicle (but not impossible, and it depends on your needs).
I see you rejected the suggestion of Class B and C campers citing the need for head room, both examples have raised ceilings and plenty of headroom, likely more headroom and living space than any VW bus or camper.
Where not to look: any that have been stored out of doors in the weather and without regular use and maintenance are likely to be past reserection. A year outdoors may be okay, maybe a few years in a dry climate, but unused vehicles decline rapidly.
Where to look: An older unit that has received regular use, been stored indoors, and properly maintained may have remaining life and be available at a reasonable price from someone who’s ready to move on, but don’t skimp on inspections. Consider looking for estate sales and talking to older owners who have one that is currently registered and drivable parked in their garage or driveway. Checking places where “snow birds” congregate and nosing around storage facilities are other ideas.
Bone up on state registration rules, the buyer is likely to be liable for unpaid registration fees and fines, maybe $$ thousands. Vehicles without proper records may be virtually un-licensable. Some states won’t license a vehicle until it can be inspected and passes an emissions test in that state (CA is one) while others won’t register a vehicle to out of state residents even temporarily (IL), and may require removing the old plates before exiting the state. There are temporary “drive away” permits for leaving a state and other permits for ferrying an out of state purchase to a new state - details vary by state so do your homework. It is possible that one or more states (Louisiana) will issue trailer registrations only to trailers originally purchased in that state. Check both your purchasing and home DMVs before committing, and make this a condition of purchase.
This type of lifestyle is not for everyone and it may end up costing you more than renting a small appartment and be safe.