DTapp,
I actually think that Best quote is pretty good (depending on how RVW compares for the trailer with the same options). Most likely, however, you could save some money, even factoring in travel costs, by buying in the Midwest and you might want to go that route if its enough to make it worth your while, but that's a personal finance decision.
Here are my thoughts on your various points and some that I think are good to consider. Sorry - its kinda long...
You've actually done all the homework that can be done.
There really is no other "deal" that someone on the forum can point you to that could be
significantly lower than the "Ohio" quote unless its a bare bones trailer. Always need to compare apples to apples. Definitely check with RVW, RVDirect, House of Camping in Chicago and others to do a proper comparison.
The only thing left to do is calculate the cost traveling to the Midwest and back. I would "guess" fuel (Santa Barbara to RVW), lodging, and food would be $1,700-$2,000.
$16,999
-259
-$2,000
$14,740 This is the cost you would have to get at RVW in order to match the price at Best RV.
6.25% for 12 years results in $7,000 interest paid over the life of the loan. To put this into perspective, the trailer won't be worth much at the end of this loan and you would have paid more like $24,000 for it.
You need to decide how valuable it is to have the trailer dropped off to you at your house, which is what Best offers. That's nice for some while other would look forward to the trip to Ohio and back. If you had time, you could make that a really nice first trip. Plenty of people on this forum buy from RVW, go to the pickup and do the PDI, camp a night or two nearby at a nice park to make sure nothing needs to be fixed and then leave for home. You could take the long route home and hit plenty of great spots if you have the time off from work. Something to consider.
Don't place too much value onto the inclusion of the second battery, starter kit and free PDI by Best. Nothing is for free - they are just including it into their price to you.
I bet the battery(s) is a cheap group 24 and you might consider upgrading the batteries right away if you intend to dry camp. That's a more complicated subject, because it depends on how you camp, how long you camp for and if you can use a generator.
The starter kit is ok for the first couple of trips but you will be replacing all of that shortly.
The PDI can be worth it or not and depends on how good the tech or delivery guy is. I was surprised when I learned that not all dealers do this for free (all of our past dealers had). It seems to be a regional thing.
You will want to establish where in Santa Barbara you will get it serviced unless you want to travel to Best each time. There are items that usually need to be taken care of in the first week or first month of ownership. This is normal so plan on it. If this is your first trailer, it helps to be handy but its most helpfull (and usually cheaper) if you are willing to learn and do things yourself. That's what this forum is for
Good luck with whatever you decide and above all