They have several for sale linked from the article page, for instance a 1989 diner car which I think would have everything you'd need for an office, add a bed, food, bathroom, nice big windows.
They are often railworthy but they may not be up to Amtrak's standards. However, if you find a museum with a locomotive and cars; you can often hire them to run you someplace. But you may be pulled by a freight loco.
How Much Does a New Railcar Cost to Buy?
The cost of a train car varies depending on the type of car and its features.
For example, a passenger train car may cost more than a freight train car. The
cost also depends on the train car’s brand, model, and year. On average, a
train car costs between $100,000 and $200,000.
How Much Does it Cost to Buy an Old Railroad Car?
If you’re interested in purchasing an old rail car, there are a few things you
need to know. First, it’s essential to know how much money you’re willing to
spend. Rail cars can vary significantly in price, depending on their age,
condition, and amenities. For example, an older car might cost less than
$5,000, while a newer model with more features could cost upwards of $50,000.
I've actually been looking into refurbishing a newer railcar and kitting it out much more like a home. There's a lot you can do and equipment like older Metra gallery cars along with more recent commuter cars are an excellent starting point.
This seems really neat, actually. While it seems it would be a bit more expensive than you'd think, if you loved railroads then it would be a cool thing to own.
I guess the only restriction would be having to hook into an Amtrak train/route, but otherwise I think traveling North America by rail could be pretty interesting.
My cost comment comes from seeing cars "surplus" for a few thousand dollars, but I'm guessing they might need significant upgrades to be eligible to hook up to Amtrak, not to mention being comfortable for the owner.
