It's rarely a mistake to buy a used Carvin. I've had ones from the 80s (because I grew up drooling at the catalog and had to get a few
) and more recently a CT which was VERY nice. Up there with anybody's top end guitar. Never played one of their semi-hollows.
I've never held on to them for too long, but they were NEVER dogs. Something I wanted more just came along. And I've never lost more than shipping when I sold them, but again I've only bought used. And I assume I'm going to lose shipping when I sell every time I sell a guitar. I consider it a rental fee.
Buying a new one and not bonding with it will cost you when you try to sell it. But you're looking at a used one.
That being said, I've been very impressed with the PRS SE Semi-hollows I've played. At a used price of under $600, they are hard to beat. Something to consider if you are just starting out on electrics.