Opinions on bang for the buck on TT & tonearm

As regards tt's, go and listen so some top flight rigs. Decide for yourself which drive technology gives you your preferred sonic result (belt-, idler-, or direct-drive). Then listen to a few more tt's that use your preferred drive system. Then, maybe you can ask here for opinions to help you decide among 3-4 possible choices. Otherwise, you can be prepared for the hugely divergent personal opinions of a bunch of audiophiles. And you know what audiophiles are like, me included. What I own is obviously the best.

By the way also, you cannot really divorce your choice of cartridge from your choice of tonearm. So I would choose tt first, then tonearm/cartridge as a unit. You have asked a very complex question with nearly infinite variables, but that will not stop others from telling you what to do.

No analog stores in KC so it's hard to go listen. I would be interested in opinions on pod based tables versus suspended tables as well.
Thanks again

Ranges of how that $6000 might look: $3-4000 table, $2-3000 arm, $2-3000 cartridge

"Pod based". Do you mean like in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"?
The issue of outboard pods is yet another can of worms. There is a long thread here based on only that question. (Search on "Copernican".) Be prepared to be confused.

Why not introduce yet another variable: Are you prepared to buy used equipment? Are you prepared to buy well restored vintage equipment?

If you are willing to think out of the box you can acquire a TransFi Salvation rim drive TT and T3Pro Linear tracking arm for about $4500. There are several reviews and threads on Agon, Search Transfi and/or Salvation.FWIW I think it is the best bang for the buck there is.